IPAK urges
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 14 2021:
In view of restrictions amidst the second wave of the pandemic and fast approaching agricultural season, the Indigenous People's Association of Kangleipak (IPAK) has called on the State Government to work out a policy to ensure farmers start their agricultural activities and their required equipment and fertilizer are made available.
In a press release, IPAK acknowledged that the situation is still grim and inconveniences are aplenty but went on to stress that hindering agricultural activities during the season will adversely affect the socio-economic condition of the State.
As such the State should consider framing SOP to help farmers carry out agricultural activities safely.
It also appealed to the Agriculture Department and Horticulture Department to take up necessary steps to help Manipur become a self-sustaining State and help boost the socio economic condition of the State.
It is high time these departments act and adopt policies to fill open spaces and fields with greeneries rather than experimenting only in laboratories or on table and remaining content with results, suggested IPAK.
The apparent 'favouritism' in selecting beneficiaries for schemes where tractors, water pumps etc are provided free of cost or in subsidised prices must end, said IPAK.
It also called on all departments concerned to immediately stop preparing reports without actually conducting field survey so that progress and yield results are noted and appropriate methods are encouraged.
The State has seen rampant cultivation of poppy and even marijuana in the recent decades, said IPAK while charging that laxities on the part of many departments are attributing to it.
To help farmers in both the hills and valley grow economically, various Departments including Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department should discharge their duties effectively, said IPAK and drew the attention of Ministers concerned to look into the matter seriously.
IPAK also applauded the frontline workers and healthcare workers for their continuous selfless service in this challenging time.