Many agricultural projects of ICAR underway, says Prof Premjit
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 18 2020: A three day training programme on scientific methods of beekeeping, organised by All India Coordinated Research Project on Honeybees & Pollinators, CAU Imphal Centre, was kicked off at College of Agriculture, CAU Imphal today.

Vice Chancellor, CAU Imphal Professor M Premjit, Director of Extension Education CAU Imphal Professor RK Saha, Dean, College of Agriculture, CAU Imphal Professor Indira Sarangthem graced the function as the chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

In view of the COVID-19 outbreak, trainees were made to clean their hands using sanitisers while masks were also handed over which they wore during the whole session, including the dignitaries.

Professor Premjit informed that classes in all the 13 Colleges under the university have been cancelled owing to the epidemic.

Even though all the students have returned to their respective homes/States, foreign students have been advised not to go back to their country as the risk of catching the virus is bigger at international airports.

Citing reasons for organising the training programme, the VC mentioned that exams and classes can be postponed/cancelled but farmers cannot take the risk of missing a season in the field of agriculture.

As such, the training programme has been conducted with extreme precaution, he added.

After ICAR sent a proposal for planting of fruit trees within a span of 3 months (March, April and May), CAU accepted the proposal and plans to initiate the task in 7 States where CAU has its presence, said Professor Premjit.

He mentioned that the under this project, a target of planting 10,500 fruit crops at 21 villages in seven States has been set.

CAU is planning to harvest Avocado at Tongou village in April/May while Litchi, Papaya and Citrus will also be planted at different parts of Manipur and in other States as well.

On the other hand, ICAR has also proposed to sanction fund for plantation of coconut in Manipur, he said while adding that necessary documents have been sent for initial plantation of 5000 coconut plants.

For this, warmer places like Jiribam and Kwatha have been identified, the VC mentioned.

Professor Premjit said that beekeeping is crucial in farming/agriculture, be it the plantation of fruits or vegetables as it will ensure quality produce and bountiful harvest.

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