Churachandpur hosts Farmers' Fair cum Exhibition
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 10: A Farmers' Fair cum Exhibition organised by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre in collaboration with Department of Agriculture (Govt of Manipur) was held at the ICAR, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pearsonmun village in Churachandpur district today.

The highlight of the Fair included display of new and indigenous agricultural technologies and products with the objective of creating awareness among the farming community of the State.

In all 17 departments/organisations out of which eight were from the private farming firms and two NGOs participated in the fair cum exhibition and showcased agricultural technologies evolved and products developed.

Horti.& SC Minister P Tonsing and ICAR officials at the Farmers' Fair cum Exhibition in Pearsonmun, Ccpur on May 10

Nearly 400 participants from five districts of the State took part in the programme.

In his address as the chief guest, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Phungzathang Tonsing stressed on the need for increasing infrastructure at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Churachandpur, applauded activities of the KVK in addition to emphasising that there is urgent need for extension of new agricultural technology to the remote corner of the State.

Delivering the presidential speech, Deputy Director General (AE), ICAR (New Delhi) Dr P Das assured the Minister of providing all necessary facilities to make the KVK more efficient and emphasised on training of farm women for reducing the drudgery.

Dr Das also asked the State department to take up policy decision for conservation of germplasm and production of quality food.

As one of the guests of honour on the occasion, Director of ICAR Research Complex, NEH Region, Umiam (Meghalaya) Dr SV Ngachan highlighted availability of vast bio-resources in Manipur and strongly desired its proper exploitation.

An interactive session of scientists and farming community from different places was the other important highlight of the day-long programme which was also graced by the presence of former Health Minister Dr Chaltonlien Amo, Secretary (Horticulture) Vumlunmang Vualnam, Ex-Dean of BCKV (West Bengal) Dr MM Adhikary, Director of Agriculture (Govt of Manipur) RK Nayansana Devi and Joint Director ICAR (Arunachal Pradesh) Dr R Bhagabati as the guests of honour.

Dr Das also attended a valedictory programme at KVK, Utlou (Bishnupur district) besides assessing progress of development works being taken up at the Kendra.

The valedictory function is related to the five day training programme on 'Induced Breeding Techniques and Hatchery Management of Freshwater Fin Fishes' which began on May 6 .

In his brief comment at the occasion, the Dy Director General suggested to the KVK personnel, particularly the subject experts and programme coordinators to enhance their expertise with regard to efficiency on cropping intensity.

Highlighting his awareness of tremendous potential in Bishnupur district with regard to fish production at the rate of 7.5 tonne per hectare which he said was highly competitive compared to other States, Dr Das also expressed keen desire that similar initiative and effort be made by all concerned to boost paddy plantation and harvest that had declined in the past few years.

Pointing to existence of both natural and man-made irrigation system in the district, he emphasised that KVK should play an important role in not only stabilising the production of rice but strive to increase the important food crop.

The Central Government official also suggested that space of the KVK, Utlou's frontline demonstration be widened.

Other speakers, particularly State representatives drew that attention of Dr das for all possible Central Government assistance to make the KVK, Utlou more efficient and serve purpose of its establishment.