ICAR regional zone meeting organised, seed processing unit inaugurated
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, May 30 2017:
The 23rd Regional Committee Zone III Meeting of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was held at City Convention Centre in Imphal today.
Speaking at the programme, Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh said, "There have been a lot of problems in the farming sector in the State.
Lack of proper irrigation system, storage capacity and technological know-how are some of the major problems that have hampered the overall productivity.
Although the ideas of integrated farming and double cropping have been introduced, it has not been developed so far," he said.
He further said that despite confining only to rice cultivation, people should also try to cultivate cash crops from time to time so that it can generate sustainable income.
"Alternative farming methods like horticulture and floriculture should be introduced in full scale mostly in the hilly areas to minimize jhum and terrace cultivation," he said and added that the researchers and scientists should to dwell upon in integrated farming, cash crop cultivation and developing double cropping in the State.
Agriculture Minister V Hangkhanlian said that with the increasing population, the area of cultivation also need to be extended in the State.
He also said that altogether 9 KVKs are fully functioning in the State and Government is trying to increase the number at least one each in all the districts.
Seed Processing Unit of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Complex, North East Hill Region (NEH) was also inaugurated today by Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Director General, ICAR in the presence of Chhabilendra Roul, Additional Secretary DARE, Dr AK Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) ICAR, Dr K Alagusunda ram, Deputy Director General (NRM and Agricultural Engineering) ICAR and Dr SV Ngachan, Director ICAR-RC- NEH Region, Meghalaya at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre Lamphelpat.
The foundation stone of farmers' hostel which is to constructed at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region was also laid by the dignitaries.