Integrated farming stressed for agri devt
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, January 25 2018:
A Farmer's Fair cum Exhibition was organized at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat today.
The programme was inaugurated by Parshottam Khodabhai Rupala, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare and Panchayati Raj in the presence of K Bhabananda Singh, Rajya Sabha MP, Prof M Premjit Singh, VC, CAU, Imphal and Dr Narendra Prakash, Director ICAR RC NEHR, Umian, Meghalaya.
The programme was also attended by a number of officials from line departments, farmers from various districts of the State, KVKs of different districts, CAU, State Agriculture, Horticulture, Fishery, Veterinary Department, Dairy, NGOs, SHGs, Farmers' Club, Food Processors, etc.
Various technologies and products were also showcased at the mela.
Speaking at the event, Parshottam Khodabhai Rupala stated that the State need to give emphasis on integrated farming system for promoting agriculture.
The State has great scope and potential for development of organic farming, dairy and medicinal plants.
ICAR, CAU and other line department need to work together to solve the problems faced by the farmers and to develop agriculture in the region, he added.
He also assured to provide any possible assistance to support the farmers in the region.
He emphasized the need to develop dairy with the help of Amul of Gujarat and promised to send experts from Gujarat to advance dairy fanning in Manipur.
Parshottam Khodabhai Rupala also stressed on the importance of protecting the State's pony.
Assuring every possible aid in the conservation of the Manipuri pony, the Minister said that the State Government has already been instructed/notified to take up steps to protect and conserve the ponies.
If the State Government brings up a proposal to save the pony, the Centre will provide every possible assistance.
Manipuri pony is a rare and important breed of horse.
Sagol Kangjei began by virtue of Manipur Pony, he added.
K Bhabananda Singh stated that agriculture is the life line of the people and for sustaining agriculture, there is a need to adopt a commercial mode of production which is lacking in the State.
He stressed on the importance of establishing a good understanding between the tenants and farmers in order to develop and commercialize agriculture in the State.
Prof M Premjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, CAU, stated that integrated farming system is a traditional practice which needs to be promoted to attain the Prime Minister's aim of doubling farmer's income by 2022.Promotion of post harvest technology and cold storage are key requirements for development of agriculture in the region, he added.
Dr N Prakash, Director of ICAR-RC, NEH Region, Umiam, highlighted the role and initiatives taken up by ICAR NEHR for development of agriculture and promotion of farmers in the region.
He stated that a number of improved crop varieties have been developed and popularised in the region.
A number of activities and initiatives have been taken up for the development of jhum farmers in the region.
A strategic paper for doubling farmer's income for the region has been prepared, he claimed.
Dr I Meghachandra Singh, Joint Director, ICAR Manipur Centre, stated that for resource poor small State like Manipur, development of agro based industries is the only viable option to assure appropriate farmers' income.
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