Rabi Campaign
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 27 2022:
Launching Rabi Campaign, the Agriculture Department has urged farmers to not leave their fields empty after the paddy cultivation and plant winter season crops.
Launching the campaign at Ichum Kom Keirap Mamang Loukon, located between Bishnupur and Kangpokpi district, Agriculture Director Ningthoujam Gojendra said farmers should plant winter crops on their fields and not leave them barren.
The aim and objective of the Agriculture Department launching the campaign is to make Manipur self-sufficient by promoting sustainable form of agricultural practices among the farmers.
Adopting sustainable practices will also help farmers increase their yield and help them earn more, he added.
The Department distributed mustard seeds and peas for plantation to farmers in the region.
Most of the agricultural fields in Manipur remain empty after paddy cultivation.
The Rabi campaign is a mission to bring greenery in the empty fields and promote cultivation of winter crops which will help boost and enhance food security of the State, said the Agri Director.
The campaign is being launched State-wide under the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Agriculture Minister Th Biswajit, he said.
The winter crop seeds distributed today will be best sown when there is moisture in the soil, he said, encouraging farmers to support the campaign.
The launch of the Rabi campaign and distribution of the seeds was jointly organised by Bishnupur District Agriculture Office, All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association and Loumi-Sinmi Apunba Lup Bishnupur.
Bishnupur District Agriculture Officer S Jugeshwar said his office is targeting to sow winter seeds on more than 5,000 Paris of agricultural land.
The seeds distributed today are meant for only about 15 Paris.
Urging the farmers in the region to adopt winter crops, he advised them to preserve a portion of the seeds of the mustard after harvesting for sowing in the next winter season.
All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association president, Konthoujam Thoiba Meetei said farmers have an important role to play in making Manipur self-reliant and self-sufficient in terms of food and economy.
With this aim, the association has been Constituting farmers' clubs at many places and encouraging them to adopt innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.
The youths of the State are also responsible for bringing positive changes and making Manipur self sufficient.
Youths should take keen interest in agriculture activities, he said.
He also appealed to the Government to provide proper irrigation facilities to the farmers.