Farmers' training programme on SRI held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 30 2013:
A one day farmers' training programme on 'SRI and Improved Management Practices' was conducted today at Kapursungba village in Island Block of Saikul sub-division under Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Senapati, Manipur.
ATMA Project Director M Gojendra Singh deliberating on new strategies of increasing agricultural productivity in the district, emphasized the need of varietal replacement of paddy to boost the production of State's staple food crop.
High yielding and hybrid varieties having higher yield potential available in the state can be introduced under the cluster demonstration of paddy under the National Food Security Mission on Paddy in the district, conveyed the Project Director who also highlighted the need of reducing the cost of paddy plantation by introducing farm tools and equipment in place of the now scarce farm labourers wherever possible.
Assistance for purchase of inputs like seeds, fertilizers and bio-pesticides and subsidy on purchase of agriculture equipment like Knap Sprayer, Konoweeder, Rotavator and water pumping sets are also available under the scheme, Gojendra explained and urged the district farmers to avail the facilities.
While SRI expert Th Tomba Singh spoke on SRI method of Rice Cultivation, Kh.
Nimaichand from the Directorate of Agriculture and Reema Hemam and T Samuel Haokip of ATMA, Senapati district briefed the farmers as the resource persons.
Village Authority secretary G Lansailung, who also attended the programme expressed confidence that initiatives by ATMA, Senapati district would bring about development in the agriculture sector in the region.
Noting that the training programme is first of its kind in the village, he also thanked ATMA for providing valuable information and distributing certified seeds of rapeseed, maize and pea to the participants.