CM assures support to farmers, promises plastic mulch
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, June 23 2019: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has assured that the State Government is ready to provide all possible support to farmers to enhance production.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the closing function of the five-day long Festival of Pineapple and Summer Fruits at Sangaithel Park in Imphal West district today.

He said that the State is still largely dependent on products and commodities imported from outside.

As such, there is need for a well-planned systematic approach to increase the State's production, he observed.

Stating that the State Government is now focusing on assisting farmers and entrepreneurs in this regard, he informed that educated youths and hard-working farmers are being provided soft loans and help through StartUp Manipur.

Saying that plastic mulch is required in large scale in modern farming, the Chief Minister said that the Government would provide it at subsidised rates at the earliest.

He also observed that farmers should put in concerted efforts in association with Government officials and experts to boost production so that State products can be exported as value-added items.

CM assures support to farmers, promises plastic mulch

The Government has started taking up steps to enhance production and Manipur Livelihood Mission has been introduced to increase fish production.

On the other hand, a fish feed production unit has been set up at Lamphelpat, and the unit is likely to make fish feed available in the market soon.

The State Government had also started exporting organic ginger produced in Pherzawl district to other States from last year, he added.

To address the necessity of proper storage facility for horticulture and agriculture produces in the State, cold storage facilities would be set up at five different places soon, the Chief Minister informed.

Regarding influx of illegal migrants, N Biren said that necessary steps had been put into place at entry points like Mao, Jiribam and Moreh etc.

Stating that Behiang is another important entry point, but it has been overlooked for long, the Chief Minister announced that he would open Behiang police station tomorrow.

Construction of the police station began last year after its foundation stone was laid by the Chief Minister.

Speaking at the function, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Th Shyamkumar said that a mini cold storage facility would be constructed at Sangaithel area soon for the convenience of farmers.

He urged the farmers to focus on producing organic produces because it has huge demand all over the world.

The Minister said that State produces would not find any market if chemical fertilizers are used.

State Planning Board Deputy Chairman S Rajen, MLAs Y Surchandra, Ksh Biren and P Brojen also attended the function as dignitaries.

Earlier, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries also distributed prizes to best farmers and seeds to selected villagers at the function.

They also inspected the stalls opened at the park in connection with the festival.

Jointly organised by Planning Department, Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade, Commerce and Industries, Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Department of Tourism, CAU and ICAR, the Festival of Pineapple and Summer Fruits began on June 19 .