Letpao bats for exporting horticultural products
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 19 2022:
Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation distributed Rabi crops seeds to farmers under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) in a function held at the Directorate's office complex near Sanjenthong, here, on Wednesday.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, horticulture and soil conservation minister Letpao Haokip called upon the farmers to adopt new technologies so as to boost production of horticultural products and export them to other states and countries.
He said that the seeds are being distributed as part of the government's War against Drugs mission in order to encourage farmers to cultivate horticultural crops instead of engaging in illegal poppy cultivation.
He appealed to the farmers in hill areas to distance themselves from poppy cultivation and extend cooperation to the government's War on Drugs mission as well as support the mission to develop the horticulture sector.
The minister also urged the department officials to play their parts in making the state self-reliant in terms of food production.
While terming as shameful that Manipur continues to depend on vegetables and foods imported from other states despite having good resources in the state, he opined that the people should also stop gloating over ability to buy imported foods but take pride in buying local foods and supporting local farmers.
Stating that large cardamom harvested in the state is in high demand by the Spices Board of India, he called upon all concerned to stop depending on foods brought in from other states.
Instead, they should join hands in improving productivity in the state and export foods to other states and countries.
The state has fertile soil and it would be foolish to ignore this gift of nature.
Improving productivity and exporting products from the state wifi also help in improving the economy of the state, he said.
Horticulture and soil conservation additional chief secretary P Vaiphei presided over the function which was also attended by director Honey Chara as guest of honour.
Apart from distributing Rabi crop seeds, the minister also flagged off a team of the directorate's engineering section for distribution of sprinkler machines to district offices.