Organic Farmers' Field School inaugurated at Kamong
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 17 2021: With the aim of helping farmers to get hands-on training and increase the yield in consultation with experts, the first Organic Farmers' Field School in the state was inaugurated at Kamong in Imphal West District on Monday.

Organised at the community hall of Kamong I.angoljam Leikai by Green Foundation, Manipur, the inaugural function was attended by CAU former dean Prof N Iboton as chief guest and Kamong GP Pradhan Thangjam Thoiba Meitei as president, While District Agriculture Officer Imphal West S Jugeshwor and Horticulture and Soil Conservation District Officer B Premjit Sharma were present as guests of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Iboton informed that previously the training and awareness provided to farmers were conducted on theoretical basis.

As such, many times farmers forget to apply the knowledge they have acquired.

However, the opening of Organic Farmers' Field School will allow the users to practically implement all they have learned.

"The Field School will enable farmers to get hands-on experience while also facilitating interaction with experts.

The farmers will be also taught about post harvest technology along with providing all relevant information including effects of prolonged use of chemical fertilizers.

The School will prove to be beneficial for all concerned", he added.

In his speech, Green Foundation chief executive officer U Himat said that farmers are increasing having a hard time due to infestations, some of which are evolving.

As such, farmers need to be prepared to deal with any uncertainties from time to time, especially with regard to climate change.

"Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) under the aegis of United Nations had opened the first farmer field school model over 50 years ago.

However, India has been implementing the model only recently.

Although agriculture-allied sectors have been opened some time now, it is the first time a farmer's field school has been opened in the state.

Thus, the Foundation hopes to Open 7 more schools, the first being at Kamong", he observed, while explaining that around 400 labourers, stationed at Kamong, have voiced their opinion to carryout organic farming under the supervision of Mission organic Value Chain Development.

U Himat then said that after experimenting and culturing with various microorganisms to increase the yield, highly soil beneficial fertilisers and pesticides have been used, adding that the farmers will also learn about the beneficial aspects of the same.

He then urged for following all rules properly, while assuring that the Foundation will provide compensation, if required.

Ex-CEO U Himat distributed Pseudomonas Fluorescence to the farmers, while also imparting knowledge on preparing the, medicines.

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