Rs 6 Cr approved for Rabi crop seeds
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 13 2019: Following the official declaration of the State Government that the State has been hit by drought, Chief Minister N Biren has agreed to sanction Rs six crore for procuring Rabi crop seeds which would be distributed to farmers.

This was stated by Agriculture Minister V Hangkhanlian while inaugurating an agro market shed at Chajing Mairenkhong, Imphal West district today.

He noted that paddy cultivation could not be done on vast agricultural lands due to acute shortage of water while just the minimum yield is expected from those areas where paddy was cultivated somehow.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister N Biren, Agriculture Department has been working hard to tackle the drought situation in collaboration with other line departments, Hangkhanlian said.

Although this year's paddy yield would be much lower as compared to the normal yield, the Government has been working to recuperate this loss to some extent from Rabi crops.

The Government has already decided to sanction Rs six crore for procuring Rabi crop seeds, he said.

He informed that the amount would be utilised in purchasing wheat, mustard seed, peas and other crop seeds.

Agriculture Department has already consulted experts from ICAR and KVK on this initiative.

The Government alone cannot make the initiative a success.

It demands active cooperation and participation of farmers, he pointed out.

The market shed inaugurated today is one among five such sheds sanctioned under RKVY this financial year, he added.

In his presidential speech, CAF&PD Minister Karam Shyam highlighted the health hazards caused by using chemical fertilizers in vegetable farms.

He also called upon the local people to keep the market shed neat and clean.

Shyam announced that loans which carry no interest would be given to vendors who sell vegetables and other items at the market shed.

Lilong Municipal Council Councillor Arambam (O) Omibala too attended the inaugural function.

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