MoS Shobha pitches for oil palm cultivation in NE
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 27 2021: As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration, ICAR Manipur Centre organised a "Farmers' Field Day cum Input Distribution" at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat on Wednesday.

The inaugural programme was attended by Union minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Shobha Karandlaje as chief guest.

The union minister arrived here for a few hours' visit to Manipur.

In her address, Shobha Karandlaje encouraged farmers of the north-eastern states including Manipur to adopt oil palm cultivation.

She said that India is currently importing 70 per cent of oil palm for its consumption from other countries and the central government has been trying to make it self-reliant in production of oil palm.

The centre is giving emphasis to the northeast region to achieve the target.

She asserted that the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been giving special focus in agriculture and its allied sector.

Keeping this in mind and 70 per cent of the total population of the country being farmers, the budget allocation in this sector has also increased manifold.

India is leading in export of agricultural products in the global market, she added.

Various welfare schemes for the farmers are being implemented across the country.

Financial assistance is also being provided to self-help groups and cooperative societies.

Besides, her ministry is providing financial assistance to the farmers in the construction of dwelling houses.

So far, 11 crore farmers across the country have been benefited under the scheme, she said and urged the farmers of the state to avail benefits of the scheme.

The minister also assured to extend all possible assistance to farmers of the state to enhance their income and living condition.

Shobha Karandlaje said that the centre will provide help to state farmers in in creasing production of milk and egg, so the state can reduce its dependency on importing them from other states.

Speaking while inaugurating the exhibition Showcasing of Technology Products and Interference: Scientist-Farmers-FPS-Agripreneurs' organised by Central Agricultural University (CAU) at College of Agriculture, Iroisemba as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration, Shobha Karandlaje confided that discussion was held with state officials in this regard.

The central government is also working to increase fish production in the state seeing that Manipur imports 50 per cent of its requirements from other states.

Farmers of Manipur need to opt for integrated farming if they want to increase their income twofold, she added.

The Union minister also advised farmers to seek help from CAU, scientists and researchers to address the problems of pest infestation on their crops.

Agriculture and horticulture officers concerned will be sent to farmers to solve such problems, she stated.

Shobha Karandlaje continued that the central government has been providing various schemes for the state.

It has allocated Rs 57 lakh under Kisan Samman Yojana by direct benefit transfer to state farmers.

The state has been developing in agriculture sector as is evident from exporting various produces to other countries.

It is due to the hard work of farmers, she added.

The exhibition was participated by CAU, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, state Agriculture Department, Horticultural and Soil Conservation Department, Manipur Organic Mission Agency and other Agripreneurs of the state who showcased various products and technologies in their stalls.

The minister visited the stalls and inspected the various produces, value added products and technology exhibited.

During the programme, the minister distributed rapeseed mustard's high-quality seeds, fodder seeds of oats, chickpeas, maize, lentil, pea, knapsack sprayer, bee keeping box, chicks, etc., to select farmers.

The programme was also attended by CAU vice chancellor Dr Anupam Mishra, director instruction Dr S Basanta, director of extension education Dr Ph Ranjit, College of Agriculture dean Dr Indira Sarangthem and ICAR, KVK officials.

Earlier, on her arrival at the ICAR NEH Region, she opened Exhibition stalls of Women Agripreneurs as part of the Farmers' Field Day cum Input Distribution.

The Exhibitions based on Women Entrepreneurs was participated by 11 women based Exhibitors.

The minister also distributed critical inputs to over 300 farmers of Manipur during the function.

As part of the programme, the chief guest released publication of Agro based products.

Farmers' Field Day was organised on the theme "Rice Field Day" to showcase 11 rice varieties including three newly released rice varieties during the programme.

Joint secretary (Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare) Dr Vijayalakshmi Nadendla and Kh Nabakumar Singh, member of ICAR General Body, also attended function.

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