Letpao Haokip pitches for organic farming
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, November 10 2017: Although modem agronomy and agrochemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers and technological advancement have increased yields from cultivation, these have at the same time caused widespread ecological damage and negative human effects.

As such, there is the urgency to enhance agriculture production without the use of these hazardous elements, said WRD and YAS Minister Letpao Haokip.

The Minister was addressing the inaugural session of District level sensitisation programme on different schemes of Agriculture today at Indoor Hall, Chandel district headquarters under the auspices of District Agriculture Officer, Chandel.

Letpao Haokip said that in olden days, average lifespan of the people was much longer than it is today.

The indiscriminate or haphazard use of fertilizers and chemicals in agriculture practice is one major factor responsible for this variation of lifespan then and now, he said.

As such, there is a need to explore more scientific but chemical free agricultural practice, he said while also stressing the need to focus on health oriented farming practices.

He exuded strong confidence that the experts would enlighten the farmers of the district on different schemes and farming methods in the sensitisation programme.

Delivering the keynote address, Ph Rajendra Singh, Director of Agriculture said that the programme has been organised under the directive and guidance of PM Narendra Modi and CM N Biren in collaboration with the concerned DCs.

The programme aims at sensitising farmers of all districts of the State on various schemes like National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NAMSA); Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana (National Agriculture Development programme); Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA); Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana; Soil Health Card; Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana, etc, Rajendra said.

The inaugural session was also attended amongst others by ADC Chandel Members Ngamlal Baite, Seithang Haokip; Homgam Anal; Dr Suhel Akhtar, Additional Chief Secretary (Agri); Krishna Kumar, DC, Chandel; Y Shyam Singh, DAO, Chandel and other officials of the Agriculture Department.

About 210 farmers took part in the sensitisation programme.

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