Clarion call issued for agri revolution
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 21 2011:
Fresh calls for agricultural revolution to ensure a selfsustaining society marked the Irabot Month observation organised by Irabot Foundation Manipur (IFM) in association with College of Agriculture at Chajing Karam today.
The observance was held under the theme 'Lamyanba Irabot & Agri Farmers' .
The observance, which began with offering of floral tribute at the portrait of the pioneering figure, was held with IFM president Th Iboyaima, vice president Kh Nishikanta, Senior Assistant Professor of Central Agricultural University (CAU) Kh Ibohal, CAU's Animal Science HOD Dr N Dhaneshwor, IFM general secretary Kh Senggoi Luwang and social worker K Shyam as presidium members.
Speaking at the occasion, Prof Kh Ibohal said inspite of Lamyanba Irabot taking the leading role in illustrating that agriculture is the only means for the Manipuris to prosper, socially and economically, the peasant community are still among the poorest section of the society.
Reminding that a landlocked State like Manipur can be emancipated from depending on other States or countries only when there is development in the agriculture sector, he said there is no guarantee that food grains procured from outside Manipur are free from adulteration and consumption of such imported items had been a contributory factor in large number of locals complaining of various ailments.
Noting that large tract of cultivable land remains unused after plantation of paddy, Prof Ibohal suggested that only through proper and effective utilisation of such land in growing various other food crops can the people expect to live in prosperity.
Expressing that impact due to shortage of essential commodities as a consequence of the ongoing economic blockade would have been negligible had Manipur not depended on import of consumable items, he reiterated that there should be maximum effort from every section of the society to gain self-sufficiency in the agriculture sector.
In his address, Dr Dhaneshwor rued lack of interest among the populace on livestock rearing activities, which he said will benefit the State enormously if taken up in a scientific manner.
Highlighting that cattle products not only provide health benefits but also enhances earning of those involved in activities concerning livestock rearing, the Animal Science professor said in addition to providing meat and milk, farmers can derive various other benefits such as manure from the cattle excreta.
Th Iboyaima, commented that mere observance of Irabot Month or paying obeisance to the pioneer figure will not yield any positive benefit to the masses as was the wish and aspiration of Lamyanba Hijam but there is need for implementing ideas propagated by Irabot into action for a self-sufficient Manipuri society.
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