SAMETI's Krishi Mela begins
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 09 2016: A three-day State level Krishi Mela, organised by State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) under the aegis of State Agriculture Department, has kick started at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen from today.

Commerce and Industries and Veterinary Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Agriculture Minister Md Abdul Nasir and Manipur Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker MK Preshow Shimray graced the opening function of the fair as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

In his speech, Govindas Konthoujam said that agriculture sector would play a pivotal role in bringing economic independence of the State.

It is known to everybody that the economy of the country and State is largely dependent on agriculture, the Minister said.

He said that people still remember how India shaped up its economic growth through green revolution and recalled former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri's slogan 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kishan' .

The global economic recession that was witnessed across the globe a few years back did not affect India much as the country's economy is largely based on agriculture, the Minister observed.

At a time when all eyes are on Manipur regarding trade with South East Asian countries, frequent bandhs and blockades is still plaguing the State, Govindas said.

The Minister observed that people must shun bandhs and blockades if they aspire to make Manipur a self-reliant State.

He further said that it would be late if people do not act now regarding the matter and the whole State would regret in future.

During his speech, the Minister announced that a honey production unit would be set up in the State by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the aegis of Union Ministry of Commerce and Industries.

Saying that the unit would be run under PPP model, the Minister expressed hope that funds for the said project is likely to be sanctioned this year.

Thirty stalls of different units of the State Government and line Departments, farmer clubs and other allied sector and organisations are opened at the fair organised under the theme, 'Soil health management' .

The best three stalls would be awarded cash prizes of Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.

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