State Level Krishi Mela concludes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 19 2022: The State Level Krishi Mela, 2022 underway at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound has concluded today.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Agriculture Minister Th Biswajit said the mela gave meaning to the slogan "Vocal for Local" and appreciated farmers, agripreneurs and institutions which participated in the mela.

He said agriculture being an important sector in India, doubling the agriculture produce would lift the country and help it develop further.

With the aim to develop agriculture sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced many projects.

Distribution of soil health cards to farmers is one of the projects.

A decision has been made to give the soil health card to farmers only in Manipur.

Landowners will not be given the card, he said.

Quoting Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Biswajit said the only solution to any economic crisis is the agriculture sector.

Improving the agricultural sector would strengthen the country.

With changing climate and weather conditions, farmers should be provided with new and improved technology and innovative ideas.

Natural farming is one important method of farming which Union Minister Agriculture is promoting.

There is a need for the State Agriculture Department to take up natural fanning on mission mode for introduction to farmers, he added.

Biswajit also said that the State should reap the benefit of the Oil Palm Project launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Most of the palm oil used in Manipur are all imported and as such huge expenditures are being made in purchasing them.

Efforts are being taken up to plant palm trees for extracting oil in Jiribam.

For this project, Rs 11,000 crore has been sanctioned.

A palm tree bears fruit in 4 years.

The State Government will assist in setting up irrigation and watershed management for the plantation.

Farmers may submit necessary applications to adopt palm plantation, he said.

It is said that palm plantation damages the environment and soil.

Generally, it is planted by clearing large tracts of forest land.

However, in Manipur this will not be planted in forest areas.

Palm trees will be planted in open areas and areas where water is found abundantly.

The project will be farmer oriented.

Further, agriculture and allied departments should work closely with farmers, he added.

Notably, experts and environmentalists have pointed out that palm plantation causes serious damage to the environment, underground water aquifers and soil.

Best agripreneurs, farmers and institutes among the participants were awarded on the closing day.

In Fisheries, N Jilla bagged the Best State Farmer Award.

K Herojit, N Ingocha, N Herojit and U Premila bagged Best Farmer Award in Horticulture, Sericulture, Veterinary and Agriculture respectively.

Imphal West, Imphal East and Chandel district were adjudged 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Best Performing District category.

KVK Thoubal, ICAR and Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department were adjudged 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Best Stall (institute) category.

In Best Stall (Scheme), National Food Security Mission, RKVY and MOVCDNER were adjudged 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.

In the Best Stall (Entrepreneur), Vinita Mushroom Centre and Sangai Land Organic farmers Producers Co Ltd were adjudged 1st and 2nd best respectively.

Three farmers from every district were also awarded.

The prizes carry citations and cash awards.

Agriculture Minister Thongam Biswajit, Hiyanglam AC MLA Dr Radheshyam Yumnam, Wabagai AC MLA Usham Deben and Agriculture Commissioner RK Dinesh attended the closing function as chief guest, guests of honour and president respectively.

State Agricultural Management and Extensive Training Institute (SAMETI) organised the event.

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