District Agriculture Fair kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, June 17 2022:
Agriculture Minister Th Biswajit has opened the District Agriculture Fair, 2022 at State Mechanized Farm Complex, Lamphelpat, Imphal West today.
The fair was organized by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in association with District Agriculture Office, Imphal West to provide a platform for farmers to showcase their products.
The exhibitors at the District Agriculture Fair 2022 include Imphal West district line departments, schemes from the Department of Agriculture; input dealers of Imphal West and farmer group stalls of Imphal West.
Altogether 23 stalls were opened to showcase the various activities of these exhibitors.
Th Biswajit, along with other officials, inspected the stalls and also interacted with the stall representatives.
Under the ATMA Scheme, Best Farmers Group Award, Seed Money Award and Food Security Award for the year 2021-22 and inputs were also distributed.
The Best Farmers Group Award which comprises of a citation along with a cash award of Rs.20,000 each were given to 5 farmer groups.
The Seed Money Award and the Food Security Group Award were given to 4 farmer groups each.
The award comprises of a citation and a cash award of Rs.10,000 each respectively.
It may be noted that the cash award will be given through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the awardees.
Speaking as chief guest of the function, Th Biswajit said that the Agriculture Department has been facing many issues for the past many years and the Government is keen on streamlining the loopholes.
Regarding distribution of fertilizers to the farmers at a subsidized rate, the Minister said that there are ample stocks at present and it will be distributed after proper verification to the competent farmers.
The Agriculture Minister added that the Government is committed to curbing the issues concerning fertilizer and assured that in case of misuse during distribution of the fertilizer, stringent actions will be taken up.
He further appealed to the farmers not to mislead the officials while taking their share of fertilizers.
He shared that a proposal has been put up to bore 120 numbers of tube-well in areas where there is scarcity of water and these areas will be a model for double cropping.
He also stressed on the use of nano-fertilizers to enhance farm production and environmental sustainability.
On the topic of the fair, the Minister said that the fair will provide a platform for the farmers to showcase their productivity and exposure for marketing their crops.
Buyers of Chakhao have come forward and talks are going on for marketing after thorough research of its nutritional value, he said.
He further added that State Level Crop competition will be revived under a new scheme and asked the officials and the farmers to be innovative, informative and responsible to make a self-reliant India.
To address the issues of farmers and to bridge the communication gap, the department has installed a toll-free line for farmers to share their grievances through the toll- free no 1800-345-3822, he informed.
A technical session was also conducted where farmers interacted with the scientists regarding the improvement and applications of new technology in production of crops.
S Rajen Singh, MLA, Lamshang A/C; M Joy Singh (IAS), Commissioner Agriculture, N Gojendro, Director, Agriculture Department, officials and staff of Agriculture Department, representatives of the farmer groups and invitees attended the function.
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