Winter vegetable seeds distributed under MIDH
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, November 08 2023:
Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation organised programme for distribution of winter vegetable seeds under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) at the Chief Minister's secretariat here on Wednesday.
Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, who was the chief guest of the programme, distributed winter vegetable seeds to select beneficiaries from Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts.
During his address, Govindas emphasised the importance of continuing economic activities for progress and development of the state, even in the face of current challenges? He mentioned that failure to do so could have detrimental effects on the state's economy.
The minister also highlighted the potential of the state's soil, which gives a unique taste to every product grown in it, describing it as a gift from God.
However, he noted that this potential has not been fully harnessed and stressed the need to prioritise agro-based and horticultural products to promote economic development, which, in turn, would contribute to reducing crime and violence in the state.
Govindas also spoke about the issue of soil degradation due to poppy cultivation and discussed the state government's initiatives, under the guidance of Chief Minister N Biren, to provide alternative plantation crops for sustain able livelihoods to poppy cultivators.
He assured the beneficiaries that the vegetable seeds provided by the government are of high quality and encouraged them to cultivate the distributed seeds properly.
The winter vegetable seeds distributed during the event included onion, garden pea, cabbage, broccoli, knol-khol, cauliflower, and tomato.
The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including Manipur Electronics Development Corporation chairman MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor, Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Limited chairman MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Planning and Development Authority chairman MLA Lourembam Rameshwor, Manipur Pollution Control Board chairman MLA Dr Usham Deben, Wangoi MLA Khuraijam Loken, horticulture and soil conservation commissioner T Pamei, senior officials from the department, and beneficiaries.