Additional Chief Secretary urges
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 16 2022:
Additional Chief Secretary of Horticulture and Soil Conservation P Vaiphei has stated that the State Government is considering giving some sort of incentive to indigenous cattle-rearers to revive natural farming in Manipur.
He made the remark while addressing the closing ceremony of the Desi Cow Mela at Oinam Sagol Kangjeibung in Bishnupur district as chief guest.
At the ceremony, P Vaiphei continued that the State Govt will organise a similar mela at 21 different Blocks to promote the indigenous cattle breeds.
The mela was organised by the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry.
Saying that shrinkage of grazing grounds for cows is one of the major drawbacks in rearing cows, the Additional Chief Secretary maintained that the rate of utilising cows in farming has also declined considerably in Manipur as more farmers use mechanical equipment.
He expressed concern over the large-scale dependence on chemical fertilizers in planting crops and vegetables.
The mela was organised to revive natural farming, Vaiphei added.
Director of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Ng Ibotombi, Secretary Michael Achom and other top officials of the department also attended the closing ceremony.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of the different competitions during the mela.
In bull category, Thounaojam Suresh Singh from Utlou Mayai Leikai, Thoudam Sharat from from Oinam Ward no 8 and Thoudam ongbi Ibemcha Devi from Oinam Ward no 8 bagged the 1st, 2nd and 3rd position respectively.
Nongthombam Nungshithoi from Oinam Ward no 1 won the cow category of the competition while Sarangthem Samungou from Oinam Ward no 2 and Sarangthem Manitomba from Keinou Thongkha were given the first and second runner up titles respectively.