Alternative farming system for tribal jhumias, poppy planters launched
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, December 15 2022:
Chief minister N Biren launched the Alternative Farming System for Tribal Jhumias/Poppy Planters in Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Noney, Tamenglong, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tengnoupal and Chandel districts at the CM secretariat on Thursday.
He also distributed Rabi crop seeds and equipment to 17 registered farmers' societies from Senapati, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Kamjong, Ukhrul, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Tamenglong and Noney.
The programme was organised by Eastern Border Areas Development Authority (EBADA), Manipur under the funding of North Eastern Council (NEC) Shilong.
Speaking on the occasion, N Biren raised concern on the impact of global warming adding that the state's weather pattern has changed.
He cited large scale deforestation and setting up of big industries as reason for change in climate and popping up of new diseases.
He continued that humans have now become selfish, thinking only for ourselves and no concern for our future generations.
Mentioning the theme of India s G20 Presidency "One Earth One Family One Future", the chief minister stated that India has taken up various measures to conserve the nature and the environment.
It is time for us to think of our future generation, he added.
Biren continued that the items distributed on Thursday might have less monetary value but has much value considering its importance.
He spoke on the importance of carrying out terrace cultivation instead of Jhum cultivation with technical support while informing that the state government has started providing alternative crops for poppy planters adding that the state government is aiming to achieve Green Manipur.
The chief minister expressed happiness that many societies have come up for alternative farming system in hill areas, adding that it is the beginning for development of horticulture products and enhance the livelihood of the people of hill areas.
He appealed to the farmers' society to carry plantation of crops systematically to get better yield and contribute to the development of economy while assuring that the state government will provide necessary support to the society.
Horticulture and Soil Conservation minister Letpao Haokip stated that the state has witnessed less production in hill areas and as such the chief minister has taken up various initiatives to promote horticulture products in hill areas.
The state has been depending on others for various household products.
Proper plantation in hill region can substitute our import for necessary household products, he added.
The minister stressed the need to grow high value products, saying that this could help in enhancing the earning of the people.
He informed that training will be given in phase manner for cultivation of high value products and appealed to the farmers' society to use the distributed products suitably and work sincerely to make the state self-reliant.
Transport minister Khashim Vashum, MLA of Ukhrul AC Ram Muivah, MLA of Singhat AC Chinlunthang, chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar and additional chief secretary P Vaiphei, deputy commissioners, and representatives of Farmer Producers Society also attended the programme.
The items distributed to the farmers were 1 grass cutter, 10 spades, 2 shovels, 2 pick axe, 5 rakes, 5 bundles of cocopeat, 50 pieces of plug-tray, 5 plastic crates, 1 packet coriander, 3 packets of pea, 1 packet of bean, 1 packet of beans (long), 1 packet of chia seeds and 1 packet of wax gourd.