'Sans irrigation agriculture not sustainable'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 28 2023:
With the average rainfall received by the state declining since the past 50 years particularly in the past few decades, agricultural activities can no longer rely on seasonal rains and instead need improvement of irrigation system, stated former director (science & technology) Dr S Priyokumar.
Speaking at the National Science Day celebration organised by Green Foundation at its Farmers' Convention Centre located at Kwakeithel, here, on Tuesday, Dr Priyokumar described as worrisome that the annual average rainfall has been declining to 800mm and cautioned that the state would face serious water scarcity problem in the near future.
The impeding problem could be lessened at least to some extent if the government manages to take up necessary actions while there is still time.
Stressing the need for restoration of natural lakes of the state like Lamphelpat and Heingangpat, Dr S Priyokumar said that these vanishing natural lakes could be developed as water storage sites and will help in preventing flood and providing water for irrigation.
Development of community ponds particularly in areas close to rivers could solve the problem of drinking water scarcity but it is very unfortunate that no special attention is being given in this regard at present, Priyokumar said, adding that it is natural to give big impact to food security and consequently to economy if the irrigation system fails.
During the event, former dean of Central Agricultural University, Imphal N Iboton, who was given recognition award by Indian Phytopathological Society recently, was also felicitated.
The event was also attended by Remote Sensing Application Centre, Manipur director O Nodiachand, Green Foundation chairman Kh Rajen, CAU Iroishemba animal science head Dr Th Ranadhir, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Manipur Prant general secretary Telem Dara, Green Foundation CEO U Himmat and representatives of farmer producer companies.