Irrigation equipment distributed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 28 2012:
Host institute of KVK-Sylvan, Hengbung, the Foundation for Environment and Economic Development Services (FEEDS) has distributed drip irrigation equipment to bamboo growers of Kangpokpi today.
The foundation is working to enhance afforestation by planting bamboo in 20,000 hectares of land within Saitu-Gamphazol and Kangpokpi TD Blocks in the next five years.
The foundation has set a target of generation employment for 5000 unemployed youths through this afforestation programme.
To realise the same target, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Forest and Environment) AK Rana distributed drip irrigation equipment to bamboo growers of the two TD Blocks under sponsorship of FEEDS.
Speaking at the equipment distribution function, AK Rana remarked that KVK-Sylvan has scripted a successful story not only in Manipur but in the entire North East region.
Only there are people like the leaders of FEEDS in every village, the project of forest conservation can be successfully implemented.
Among the States of India, Manipur has the most unpolluted atmosphere, most fertile soil and abundant rainfall.
Observing that tribal people of Manipur are closely associated with forests, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest highlighted the need for conservation of forests in the interest of future generations.
One major factor for the alarming rate of deforestation is the ever increasing population which demands maximum exploitation of forest resources.
In his presidential address, FEEDS president Haokholet Kipgen noted that rainfall rate and periodicity have either diminished or became unpredictable in the last few years even though Manipur generally receives abundant rainfall.
Taking into account the diminishing rate of rainfall, the drip irrigation equipment were provided by the Government of India at the request of FEEDS, Haokholet said.
He also asked the bamboo growers to use properly the irrigation equipment as well as the fund that would be sanctioned for bamboo plantation.
Chief Conservator of Forest N Kipgen was also present at the function as guest of honour.