Minister Nasir moots agriculture policy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 07 2012: Agriculture Minister Md Abdul Nasir pledged to work ou a viable agriculture policy to address various inconveniences besetting farmers of Manipur.

The Minister made the announcement at a distribution of paddy seedlings and agricultural equipment (sprayer pumps) to select farmers at Taobungkhok today.

The event was organised by Department of Agriculture.

The items were distributed under the National Food Security Mission-Rice programme and was also attended by Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai Devi and Commissioner (Agriculture) Letkhogin Haokip as the functional president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking as the chief guest, Minister Nasir acknowledged anxiety of the State farmers on the delay in arrival of monsoon rains but expressed hope that forecast for commencement of the seasonal rainfall from July 15 would become a reality.

Accepting that fear and anxiety gripping the farmers might be due to absence of a specific agriculture policy, the Minister assured that every effort would be made to work out a comprehensive policy.

Agriculture kits being distributed to a farmer beneficiary

Urging the farmers to contribute their mite in achieving surplus food grain productivity and for efficient application of the tools provided today, Abdul Nasir also mooted that the Chief Minister would be consulted for official declaration of drought in case rainfall remains elusive.

In her address, Minister Mirabai informed that National Food Security Mission Rice is being targeted to attain food security within 2020 .

She also expressed that continuous shrinkage of agricultural land is one of the factors for the State depending on import of food items.

Mirabai also suggested that development funds provided by the central Government be utilised for improving irrigation facilities from the nearest river point or ground water source to effectively tackle drought-like situation.

Citing abundant availability of water as the most important component for paddy plantation, Commissioner (Agriculture) Letkhogin Haokip proposed that entrusting CADA and Minor Irrigation portfolios to the Agriculture Minister would facilitate development of a viable irrigation network.

The Commissioner also strongly advocated rain-water harvesting mechanism by digging large ponds close to plantation sites.

Speaking at the occasion, State Mission Director of National Food Security Mission Ph Rajendra Singh conveyed that Agriculture Department would initiate relevant measures and launch intense campaign to ensure successful paddy plantation in case there is scanty rainfall even after July 15 .