CM attends distribution of heifers to SC farmers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 25 2026: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today attended the distribution of pregnant heifers to farmers belonging to Scheduled Caste community at the Farmers' Training Hall, Veterinary Complex, Sanjenthong, Imphal.

The distribution function was held under the North Eastern Council funded project "Dairy Farming-A way of life for Scheduled Caste Farmers of Manipur" as a part of Seva Sankalp Abhiyan 2026 .

Notably, a total of 612 beneficiaries were selected from four districts, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching and Thoubal for the project.

At the function today, pregnant heifers were given to 31 beneficiaries.

CM attends distribution of heifers to SC farmers

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh highlighted the importance of promoting dairy farming as a sustainable livelihood opportunity for Scheduled Caste farmers of the State.

He encouraged the farmers to adopt scientific cattle rearing to improve milk production and strengthen their household income.

Khemchand said the project, being implemented under the NEC, aims to increase milk production and its by-products, promote socio-economic upliftment of farmers and generate employment opportunities.

For successful implementation of the project, he said that the Government, beneficiaries and employees of the department must discharge their respective responsibilities with honesty, sincerity and accountability.

The Chief Minister appreciated the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department for ensuring transparency in the implementation of the project, particularly in the selection of beneficiaries through a lottery system.

He stated that such transparent processes would help ensure that the benefits of the Government schemes reach the beneficiaries.

Referring to the Buffalo Farm located at Wabagai in Kakching district, Khemchand Singh stated that the number of buffaloes at the farm has not increased at the expected pace.

He said that about 24 buffaloes were given to the farm some 25 years ago.

In a review meeting recently, the CM said, he was informed that there were 18 buffaloes at the farm.

Now, two calves have been born and the number has increased to 20, he said.

He further noted that the Veterinary Department has poultry farms but no poultry.

While the department also has piggery farms, there may not be any pigs left, he added.

There may be many constraints including lack of budgetary provisions and proper maintenance affecting livestock farms.

While taking up steps to address the issues, the Government, the department and all stakeholders must put in sincere efforts to improve and enhance the farms, he said.

He further stressed the need to revive and effectively utilise existing livestock and cattle-rearing facilities of the department.

Strengthening existing facilities would not only promote livestock development but also contribute towards improving the livelihood of farmers and strengthening the economy of the State, he said.

Dr Rangitabali Waikhom, Secretary, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry; Dr Laishram Arunkumar Singh, Director, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry; Dr RK Radhesana Devi, Director, Planning Department; farmers and officials of the department attended the programme.