Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 21 2010:
While the State is facing deficit in terms of food grain production, around 33,000 hectares of agricultural land are lying waste in Chandel district.
This was stated by Chandel District Agriculture Officer Kh Jugeshwar at a one-day farmers' training programme cum distribution of seeds held at Sugnu Tribal village today.
The programme was attended by Chandel ADC Member Ngangkholen Baite, Chandel District Agriculture Officer Kh Jugeshwar and Nungpi village chief Ngangkholet as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Observing that 80 per cent of the total population of Manipur are farmers, Kh Jugeshwar noted that application of modern scientific methods to cultivation as demanded by the increasing population remains quite low in the State.
He called upon all farmers of the State to apply modern, scientific methods of cultivation in order to increase yield and make Manipur self reliant in agricultural sector.
He said that total agricultural land available in Chandel district is around 65,000 hectares.
Out of these, 32,000 hectares are being used for cultivation of different types of crops but the remaining 33,000 hectares have not been put to any use as if this land is a waste land.
Keeping this vast area like a waste land is not only impeding economic upliftment of the people of Chandel district but also causes adverse impact in the economy of the State.
The District Agriculture Officer also appealed to the farmers to extend full cooperation to the Department in its initiative to make this unused land lush green with all kinds of crops throughout the year.
Today's programme also featured an interaction programme between farmers and resource persons of Agriculture Department following by distribution of winter crop seeds and sprayers.