Governor bats for expanding area of natural farming
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 17 2023: An international conference on 'Natural farming for revitalizing environment and resilient agriculture' organised by Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal commenced from Friday at the auditorium of the university.

Governor Anusuiya Ui-key, who was chief guest at the inaugural session of the three-day conference, and opened an exhibition on natural farming products of innovative farmers of Manipur and other North Eastern states, stressed the need for widespread adoption of natural farming to cater to the need of the people.

She said that people are getting increasingly health conscious and taking extreme care on nutritional value of the food they are consuming, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Having realised the ill and side effects of chemically-induced fruit and vegetables, people are opting for organic foods which are free from fertilizers and pesticides, she maintained.

While stating that adoption of modern agricultural technologies and methods is helping increase food production and gradually making the country self-sufficient, the Governor acknowledged that in-spite of advancement in scientific agriculture there are certain issues in the sector which need to be addressed.

Moreover, due to excessive application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, there has been increase in degeneration of fertility apart from causing pollution to environment, she cautioned.

Recounting that the NITI Aayog had organised a national consultation in which Indiari natural farming system was discussed, she said the Indian Council of Agricultural Research constituted a committee with CAU Imphal vice chancellor Dr Anupam Mishra as the member secretary to develop natural farming courses and materials at UG and PG level.

To promote natural farming in the country schemes like National Agriculture Development Scheme and Indian Natural farming System have been introduced and the government has set a target of helping one crore farmer to adopt natural farming in the next three years, she added.

The Governor expressed confidence that deliberations in the convention will yield good steps which will help to further develop natural farming not only in India but also in many countries in the world.

Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, who also attended the inaugural session, said that agricultural production has been increased considerably as a result of technological advancement and technical know-how.

However, there have been many issues on health and environment and accordingly natural farming is the best method which needs to be taken to new heights, he added.

MLA Nishikant Singh Sa-pam, who was also present, spoke on the importance of irrigation in the development of agriculture in the state.

The inaugural session was also attended by CAU, Imphal VC Dr Anupam Mishra, RL-BCAU, Pusa, Bihar VC PS Pandey and CAU College of Agriculture dean Dr Indira Sarangthem.

Delegates from Bangladesh, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, England and US are participating in the conference, which will have eight technical sessions.

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