"Draft water policy to address poor irrigation infrastructure"
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 08 2023: The Irabot Foundation Manipur (IFM) has urged the State Government to draft a 'water policy' to address the poor irrigation infrastructure in the State.

The appeal was made at the 5th "Loumeesinggi Poinu Meefam" convened by the IFM at the National Research Center (NRC) Hall located in Canchipur today.

The meet was conducted under the theme "Revival of economy through agricultural activities" and witnessed the attendance of Khunjamayum Gopen Luwang, president IFM; N Gojendro, Director, Agriculture Department; Professor Chinglen Maisnam, Department of Economics Manipur University and Homen Thangjam, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University.

"Draft water policy to address poor irrigation infrastructure"

Addressing the gathering, Kh Gopen Luwang claimed that the conflict which broke out on May 3 and has since sustained for 7 months has caused roughly Rs 350 crore in losses to agriculture and its allied sectors. He continued that in order to recover these devastating losses to the economy, both the Government and the public need to be on war footing and take appropriate steps.

"As a result of the poor irrigation infrastructure in the State, farmers are still largely dependent on rainfall for their agricultural activities", said Gopen while highlighting the need for the Government to draft a water policy to adequately supply water to the fields even during lean seasons.

He also urged the State Government to enact an "Agriculture Market Policy" wherein the State would procure the farmers' crops and products at a reasonable price and supply them to Government departments and facilities.

"Not only will this benefit the farmers, but this move will also improve the economy by bringing down the sum spent on purchase of imported items", he added.

He also called upon the State administration to register the indigenous agricultural and horticulture products for GI tags and establish seed banks so that the authorities can provide crop seeds to the farmers promptly on time.

N Gojendro spoke about crop insurance and schemes taken up by the Government for the benefit of farmers.

He appealed to the farmers to register for crop insurance and avail the benefits provided under Governmental schemes.

During the meet, awards were handed over to five successful farmers engaged in agriculture and its allied sectors.

The awards consisted of a cash prize as well as a certificate.

The gathering also passed many resolutions to improve the state of agriculture in Manipur.