IFM pitches for efficient irrigation facilities
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 08 2022:
The Irabot Foundation Manipur (IFM) has urged the State Government to solve the inconveniences being faced by farmers including irrigation inefficiency during the 4th Poinu Meepham convened at Singjamei Wangma Bheigapati Leikai, today.
The Poinu Meepham is one of the most important and biggest congregations of farmers in Manipur.
The annual meeting held under the theme "Natural Farming and Irrigation of Manipur" was attended by Project Officer of MOMA Dr Leishangthem Jeebit Singh, IFM president Khunjamayum Gopen Luwang and Marketing Manager (in-charge) of North Eastern Regional Agriculture Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC) Mangsatabam Imo as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
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At the meeting, Gopen Luwang said that irrigation is one of the most agricultural processes in all modes of farming as it ensures crop growth and quality.
Saying that the State Government needs to work on war footing to provide adequate facilities for irrigation to farmers, Gopen Luwang urged the Government to formulate a State Agricultural Marketing Policy for the wellbeing of the people in farming profession and procure the excess rice from the local farmers for distribution under National Food Security Act (NFSA) .
Continuing that the Government can also procure crops, fruits and vegetables from the local farmers for supplying mess to Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and other security forces under the policy, Gopen maintained that upliftment of farmers is imperative to improve the economy of Manipur.
He further stated that the IFM has been working in the interest of the farmers community since the time of Thounaojam Iboyaima who is known in Manipur as the "Father of Social Work" .
Some of the notable campaigns taken up by IFM were "Greening Manipur", "Grow more food", Conservation of wetlands and paddyfields" and "Know your schemes," Gopen said and added that they have also submitted a memorandum incorporating several points including implementation of rain harvesting for the wellbeing of farmers to Prime Manipur Narendra Modi.
The IFM president also exuded confidence that the Government will implement "Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014" effectively and protect the wetlands and paddy lands in Manipur.
Gopen also appealed to the State Government to formulate a proper water and land use policy to promote organic farming in Manipur.
Jeebit, on the other hand, said that climate change is a widespread phenomenon which affects all living beings.
Saying that global warming is now felt in Manipur as the weather in December this year is warmer as compared to past, he added that the practice of synthetic agriculture also contributes to climate change.
He said that promotion of natural farming and reducing the subsidy given on chemical fertilizers will be helpful in mitigating climate change.
Jeebit also appealed to IFM and people in the farming profession to encourage participation of youth in agriculture and allied sectors as modern agriculture practices require technology.
He maintained that farmers must focus on planting suitable crops and vegetables.
AMUCO president Pheiroijam Nando Luwang also attended the programme among others.
Later, IFM distributed prizes to select farmers.