Food production must even during crisis: Debadutta
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 06 2023:
Horticulture and Soil Conservation additional di rector K Debadutta Sharma has said that farmers should focus on food production, even during the present crisis as it is crucial for the survival of the society and its people.
He was attending the launch programme of a three-day training on 'Beekeeping for sustainable organic and natural farming', which is being organised by Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) at the conference hall of the directorate office near Sanjenthong, here, on Monday.
Director Honey Chara was also present at the event, which had ICAR-KVK Ukhrul's plant protection subject matter specialist Dr N Ajitkumar, ICAR Regional Centre for NE Hill Region, Manipur Centre's scientist (entomology) Dr Romila Akoijam and scientist (ARS) Dr Arti Ningombam as resource persons.
Speaking on the occasion, K Debadutta, who is also the project director of MOMA, delved on the question of self-sufficiency in terms of food in the state and how MOMA, as a nodal agency for organic and natural farming, has been working to promote safe food products, increase production and enhance farmers' income.
Regarding the matter of increasing crop yield, he said that beekeeping practice in vegetable farm can enhance the yield by 20 to 40 percent.
Moreover, farmers can get additional income from honey and wax, which are used widely in manufacturing cosmetic products, he said, while encouraging farmers to adopt scientific methods of beekeeping by Consulting subject experts.
Speaking on the current situation in the state, Debadutta stressed on giving equal focus to food production while facing the crisis as it is crucial for the survival of
the society.