PIMT, IFM appeal for 'agricultural marketing policy' for farmers' welfare
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 28 2022: Pabung Iboyaima Memorial Trust (PIMT) and Irabot Foundation Manipur (IFM) have urged the State Government to prepare an agricultural marketing policy which will benefit the farmers of the State.

The appeal was made during a discussion programme held as a part of the 6th death anniversary of Thounaojam Iboyaima who is known as the "Father of Social Work" in Manipur at Singjamei Parking Community Hall, today.

The programme was held on "The thought of Pabung Iboyaima in the contemporary society of Manipur" .

At the observance, convenor of PIMT cum president of IFM Khunjamayum Gopen said that disappearance of arable lands in Manipur coupled with several other challenges besieging the agriculture sector is a serious threat to farmers in particular and the society in general.

He also said that "our dependence for food on other States is increasing gradually and this needs to be tackled" .

Saying that limited availability of irrigation and other facilities and maximum dependence on monsoon to grow crops is one of the major problems which the farmers here face, Gopen maintained that there is also lack of market to sell farm produce in the State.

He further stated consumption of farm produce grown using chemicals is a point of another concern as it slowly poisoned the public health.

"To find a solution for all these problems the State needs to formulate a comprehensive agricultural policy," Gopen continued and expressed desire for the Government to buy farm produce from farmers, save arable land, provide irrigation facilities to farmers and promote organic farming.

AMUCO president Nando Luwang said that Iboyaima was a farsighted leader who dedicated his life to social causes.

Nando also opined that the influx of illegal immigrants would be very difficult to tackle if there is no sense of work culture among the indigenous people.

"Our works and sources of income would surely be snatched by outsiders if we are too lazy to do our own work," he maintained.

Nando urged all to contribute in strengthening the agriculture sector of Manipur and instill work culture.

The AMUCO also expressed desire to erect a statue of Iboyaima so as to make the people aware about the life and contribution of the "Father of Social Work" .

COHOR chairman Phunindro Konsam said that Iboyaima advocated Right to Determination which is mentioned in the International Laws of the United Nations during his lifetime.

Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Lup president Longjam Memchoubi, National Research Centre president Thongam Ajit, All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association president Yumkhaibam Kunjarani, Manipuri Students' Federation president Maibam Julesh Khuman and All Manipur Ethnical Socio Cultural Organisation vice president Raghumani Thokchom were also present.

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