State has big scope for yellow revolution: Dr Rai
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 21 2023:
Pointing out that Manipur has big scope for yellow revolution, ICAR - Directorate of Rape-seed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, Rajasthan director Dr PK Rai has called upon the farmers of the state to grow rapeseed (mustard variety) plants in their fields after harvesting paddy in order to increase mustard oil production, which will also enhance their income.
He was attending as chief guest of the Central Agricultural University's Farmers' Field Day event held at Ithai Barrage community hall in Bishnupur district.
College of Agriculture, CAU Imphal organised the prorgamme under the aegis of AICPR on Rapeseed-Mustard.
Sprayer pumps were also distributed tothe farmers, who participated in the programme.
Speaking on the occasion Dr PK Rai recalled that cultivation of rapeseed began from 2012-13 in agricultural fields after harvesting season.
The state had recorded highest cultivation of rapeseed in 80,000 hectares of farmland in the past.
However, this year, 'rapeseed plants are planted in only about 34,000 hectares, he said while stressing the need for creating awareness to encourage farmers to fill up the gap in demand and supply in the state.
The annual average vege- table oil consumption in the country is 19 litres per person while the annual average in the northeast state is 13 to 14 litres per person against the WHO recommendation of 10 litres per person.
How ever, production rate is very low in the northeast region and the gap in demand and supply is filled by products brought from other parts of the country.
Considering the gap in demand and supply, there is a big scope for yellow revolution in the state and farmers of the state can fill up the gap by cultivating, rapeseed in their fields after paddy harvesting, he said.
College of Agriculture, CAU Imphal dean professor Indira Sarangthem presided over the function while CAU director of research professor K Mamocha; CAU director of extension education professor Ranjit Sharma; NEH Component AICRP (R-M) Scheme, ICAR-Directorate of Rapesheed-Mustard Research Bharatpur, Rajasthan principal scientist and nodal officer Dr Bhagirath Ram; College of Agriculture, CAU Imphal AICRP in-charge professor L Nabachandra and Wangoo GP pradhan Amom Keshorjit were present as guests of honour.