Buyer-seller meet cum workshop begins
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 17 2017: A two-day buyer and seller meet cum workshop for agriculture and horticulture products with special focus on organic products of Manipur began today at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound.

The event is organised by the Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA), Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur and sponsored by the Agricultural and Processed Food Product Export Development Authority and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India.

MOMA has been implementing Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Region (MOVCDNER) scheme in Manipur under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare since 2015-16 .

Buyer-seller meet cum workshop attended by Minister Th Shyamkumar :: Pix - DIPR

The scheme aims at promotion and production of certified organic commodities focusing on export oriented crops viz.

Tamenglong orange, Kachai lemon, pineapple, U-Morok, ginger, turmeric and Chak-hao (Black Aromatic Rice) covering a total area of 5,000 hectares with 5,000 farmers.

Speaking as the chief guest, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Forest and Environment and MAHUD, Manipur Minister Th Shyamkumar said that the presence of the dignitaries and officials at the function reflects the keen interest and strong political will of the Government of India to make organic farming as one of the major drivers of economic and social development.

Manipur has bountiful natural resources and human capital.

The main occupation of the people is agriculture and horticulture which is dominated by small holdings characterised by low produce and low farm income.

The farmers of Manipur are in a unique position to transform its constraints to their advantage by practising organic farming.

The farmers of the State use negligible amounts of fertilisers and pesticides in their farms which make them suitable for quick conversion to organic farming, the Minister added.

Buyer-seller meet cum workshop attended by Minister Th Shyamkumar :: Pix - DIPR

He further said that by practicing organic farming, farmers can improve farm productivity by using natural resources from their own farms and also increase their income by accessing new markets while sustaining the farm and the environment of the State.

Increasing the income of the farmers is of paramount importance for livelihood, food security and inclusive growth of the State and at the same time making food safe, healthy and nutritious.

Minister Shyamkumar said that, he is optimistic that the increasing demand for high-valu organic products of the State will create market, providing necessary impetus and opportunity for the farmers to generate economic growth and gainful employment.

He expressed hoped that the meet will lead to fruitful interaction among all the participants and create an enabling environment for marketing organic products of Manipur in and outside the State.

Minister Shyamkumar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also conveyed to the farmers of the country that the income of the farmers will be doubled by 2022 .

Chief Secretary of Manipur O Nabakishore Singh highlighted the benefits of Chak-hao (black aromatic rice) and called upon the farmers of the State to increase the yield of Chak-hao to meet the demand-supply ratio.

The farmers of the State need not fear as their products will be bought by the State which will subsequently increase the income of the farmers.

Nabakishore further said that he will personally become an entrepreneur to sell Chak-hao, which is known as the "Super food" in USA.

He added that proper packaging, proper labelling and proper marketing are needed to export the products.

He also appealed to all the farmers to sincerely cultivate their food crops and urged the officers/agents to help the farmers get the benefits of Government schemes/programmes.

Dr M Premjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, I Rani Kumudini, Joint Secretary, INM Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, Dr N Prakash, Joint Director, ICAR, Manipur Centre and AK Yadav, Advisor, National Accreditation Board, APEDA were guests of honour of the function.