Farmers' bodies demand agriculture land protection
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 17 2014:
Different farmer's bodies have demanded that the issue of agriculture land protection be discussed during the upcoming State Assembly session commencing February 24 .
Speaking at a press conference held at Manipur Press Club, All Manipur Progressive Farmers Association (AMPFA) president Joy Nongmaithem said that different farmer's bodies would stage demonstrations to press the demand.
He said that the State would never be self sufficient in foodstuff production until an Act is passed to protect agriculture land.
With the setting up of many schools and offices and opening of brick fields on agricultural land, Manipur is likely to face a serious food crisis in the coming days, he observed.
As such, there is an urgent need for enactment of a stringent law to protect agriculture land, he said.
In this regard, Joy Nongmaithem urged the State lawmakers to seriously discuss the issue in the coming Assembly session commencing February 24 .
Saying that the association had also submitted memoranda to the Government on many occasions in this regard, Joy said that the Government has not responded positively so far.
Loumee Sinmi Apunba Lup vice-president S Dilip said that Manipur would remain dependant on other States if the State fails to take up measures to produce sufficient foodstuff.
As the National Food Security Act does not intend to benefit the whole population, the State needs to have a long term plan to avoid food crisis, he said.
Protection of Agricultural Land and Natural Resource Organisation advisor Mutum Churamani said that 2 lakh matric tonnes of foodstuff is being imported in Manipur as 1000 hectares of agriculture land is decreasing every year.
He also opined that workers and farmers have their right on agriculture land.