AMPFA thanks
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 09 2013:
The All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association (AMPFA) has appreciated the State Government's recent initiative of setting up a core-committee for framing an agricultural land use policy.
AMPFA has also appealed to all concerned to save all the existing agricultural lands of Manipur.
Speaking to media persons at their Keishampat office today, AMPFA president Joy Nongmaithem remarked that the State Government's recent initiative to frame an agricultural land use policy in Manipur is a significant step though it is a little late.
For framing an agricultural land use policy, a core committee has been set up and it has already started surveying agricultural lands of the State.
The committee is expected to submit a report to the Government within three months.
Joy Nongmaithem said that AMPFA would help the core committee in its survey work, if required.
Yet, he maintained that the three months's period given to the committee to submit a report is too long.
It is desirable if the period is reduced to one month, he said.
It is imperative to enact an agricultural land use act as soon as possible in order to save the existing agricultural lands of Manipur.
If the existing agricultural lands are not protection, Manipur would remain dependent on imports for the staple food of Manipuris, he cautioned.
It is also crucial to make the agricultural land use act effective from 5/10 years back.
During the past 5-10 years, vast expanses of agricultural land have been usurped.
AMPFA secretary Thoiba Konthoujam appealed to the Government to frame an agricultural land use policy as soon as possible so that an agricultural land use act can be passed in the monsoon session of the State Assembly.
It is the Government and some wealthy people who are front-runners in terms of usurping and transforming agricultural lands into non-arable lands, he added.