Youth exhorted to venture into agriculture sector
Farmers' training conducted, sprinkler and pump sets distributed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 08 2022: Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) project officer Dr Leishangthem Jeebit has stressed the need for pro-actively involvement of youth in the increasingly technology-driven agriculture sector in order to improve the sector and enhance food production in the state.

Speaking as the chief guest during the 4th Poinu Meepham of farmers organised under the theme 'Natural Farming and Irrigation of Manipur' by Irabot Foundation Manipur at Singjamei Thong Wangma Bheigyabati Leikai community hall on Thursday, Dr Jeebit reminded all concerned that the rapidly changing climatic condition which the state has been experiencing, including the unusually warm weather even during the winter months will definitely affect agriculture sector.

In such a situation, the government's initiative to focus on natural farming is the right strategy, he said.

With the development of technology, agriculture sector is also witnessing new technologies.

Role of youth is huge in adopting the new technologies and bring a boost in the agriculture sector, said the project officer who also dwelt on the negative impact of using chemical fertilisers and encouraged farmers to adopt organic and natural farming, which the government is promoting.

While organic farming requires certification from a government agency to market the produce as organic product; natural farming, which was in practice since times immemorial, does not require such certification at all, he said while stressing the need for more training programmes in this regard.

Irabot Foundation president Khunjamayum Gopen Luwang presided over the discussion session while North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC) marketing manager Manipur in-charge Mangsatabam Imo attended as guest of honour.

Several farmers were also honoured on the occasion for their accomplishment in farming.

Meanwhile, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, Bishnupur on Thursday organised a farmers' training programme on 'micro irrigation' at District Horticulture office under the PMKSY 2021-22 second instalment and distributed sprinklers and pump sets to the farmers.

The programme was attended by former district horticulture officer O Kumar as chief guest and incumbent district officer S Sushila Chanu as president.

Addressing the participants, Sushila Chanu exuded confidence that distribution of the sprinklers and pump sets will help the farmers increase the productivity and urged the district's farmers to approach the department in case they need any technical support.

She also assured delivery of benefits of welfare schemes to every farmer in the district so as to enhance generation of income.

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