Lamka, May 07: A two days seminar on stable land based farming in hill areas of the North Eastern region which began yesterday under the sponsorship of DoNER at Rayburn College here, concluded today with a promise of better life for farmers.

Inaugurating the seminar Union Commerce secretary GK Pillai said, 'I promise (you) no revolution, but together we can work and make your life better.' Peace and development cannot be achieved without agricultural progress, he added.

Terming the farmers as torch bearer and backbone of the Indian economy, Pillai said the seminar initiated today is conducted to make the general public aware of the available schemes the Government of India has in place for the farmers.

Making it clear his resolve to take the local farmers to new heights the union minister request participants 'to remind' him, if adequate attention is not paid in the coming months.

He also made its known that his officers could only guide the farmers to get a maximum income out of their farm.

"You will have to do the bulk of the work, and you will get all the money.

Hard work lies ahead of us," he said adding, concerted efforts from both ends will surely elevate the people's livelihood.

R Chandrashekhar, Director of the Spices Board toils on its action plan on North East and Manipur in particular.

Setting up a Spices Park � to be complete with all sorts of processing units in Manipur being one of them, he said, even as he announces the subsidy after subsidy the board has in offer for Manipur.

He in particular pointed out organic farming as one advantage the State is embedded with and the availability of world renowned Umorok, Turmeric, and Mint (Pudina) as the spices capable of making it big.

The Tea board said the climate in Churachandpur is favourable for tea plantation and suggest Selp Help Group in no less than fifty members and not lesser than fifty acres of land to begin tea nursery.

Training for which will be given free of cost with TA/DA for the trainees and remuneration there of even after six months after the training.

APEDA, the agriculture export agency also talked of the various subsidies in offer with them and the range of chances for exporting one's product.

The Exotic Fruit at Mao is one of the success stories behind their assistance.

At the workshop conducted today farmers were divided in groups Plantation, Spices, Floriculture and Horticulture, depending upon each individual's interest.

An action plan, to be set in place in the next twelve months was mooted from the suggestions made by each group.

With the seminar and workshop already put in place, the government, it is said will soon dispatch farmers in groups for further training at various institute across the country.

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