Letpao urges farmers to adopt modern technologies
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 21 2022:
Horticulture and soil conservation minister Letpao Haokip has called upon the farmers of he state to contribute towards strengthening the department.
Speaking as chief guest in a seeds distribution function to farmers of different districts under MIDH here on Saturday, Letpao Haokip conveyed that the inputs were distributed with the objective to help the farmers in increasing yield of horticulture crops in the state.
Foods come from the fields of the farmers and they need to adopt innovative technologies in order to increase their production capacity, he stressed and assured to take up necessary measures to ensure timely availability of seeds to the farmers.
While asking the department officials to submit relevant proposals in time, the minister also appealed to the people living in hill areas to stop poppy plantation as it not only affects the youth of the society but also reduces soil fertility due to use of chemical fertilizers.
Reiterating that the government is planning to provide assistance to replace poppy plantations with profitable cash crops, he also highlighted the negative impact of jhum cultivation to the natural eco-system, including landslides and floods.
In his address, additional director (horticulture & soil conservation) and MIDH mission director K Devdutta said that the department had distributed seeds to around 1200 farmers in the earlier part of the current year and they are targeting around 800 farmers in the second phase.
The seeds include chilli, onion, ladyfinger, cucumber and watermelon among others.
Though it is a little late this time, the department will ensure timely distribution in the future, he assured.
Additional chief secretary (horticulture and soil conservation) Paoluntharig Vaiphei and director Honey Chara were also present at the function.