Imphal, August 01 2009: To chart out a contingency plan in connection with meeting possible consequence of crop failure following deficient rainfall in most parts of the country including Manipur this year, a joint meeting of all the Chief Secretaries of the drought affected States has been convened on August 8 .

Disclosing this during an exclusive chat with The Sangai Express, Principal Secretary (Agriculture) O Nabakishore informed that the Chief Secretary of Manipur, the Principal Secretary (Agriculture) and Commissioner of Relief and Disaster Management would be attending the meeting that has been convened by the Union Cabinet Secretary at the Annexe of Parliament House.

A presentation on the prevailing drought situation in Manipur which has led to failure of planting crops would be presented during the meeting, Nabakishore said, adding the meeting would also discuss the nature of the assistance to be given to the farmers of drought hit States under the National Calamity Relief Fund.

The State Department of Agriculture has reportedly consulted the Department of Relief and Disaster Management for providing seeds worth Rs 2000 at the rate of one Pari per farmer or input subsidy on equipments under the National Calamity Relief Fund.

In response to a question on whether the Crop Insurance Scheme which has been recently launched in two districts of Manipur namely Imphal West and Bishnupur district would also be extended to the remaining districts, the Principal Secretary (Agriculture) assured that necessary measures would be taken up to cover all the districts very soon.

On who should get the benefit of the scheme in a leasedpaddy field the Principal Secretary (Agri) explained that if the paddy field is being cultivated by the lease giver himself then he would get the benefit.

Otherwise it would be the lessee who cultivates the land directly that would be entitled to the benefit.

He further informed that in accordance with instruction of the Government of India, the last date for issuing and submission of forms for the Crop Insurance Scheme lapsed yesterday (July 31).But in view of the prevailing situation, the Government of India has been requested to extend the date till August 15 .

Although an assurance has been given to the request verbally, no official letter has been received in this regard, Nabakishore said, while expressing confidence that the official communication would also be received very soon.

With regard to infection of thrip or Engellaichubi as it is known in local parlance on the leaves of the paddy in most part of the State at present, the Principal Secretary (Agriculture) assured that instructions would be given to the officers concerned for taking up necessary measures.

Meanwhile, a demonstration of modern farming implements and took have been conducted at the complex of State Mechanised Farm, Lamphelpat here today.

For the first time in Manipur, Power Sprayers, Electrical Power Prayers, Fodder Cutter, Multi-purpose Reaper/Harvestors, etc were demonstrated at the occasion.

According to K Manoranjan, who is the Executive Engineer (Agriculture) of the State Mechanised Farm, these farming implements and tools would be made available to the fatmers at subsidised rate within September/October.

Principal Secretary (Agriculture) O Nabakishore, Director of Agriculture RK Nayansana and other officials of the Department who are in charges of scheme were also present at the occasion.

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