Imphal, February 23, 2010: A two-day workshop organised by the Gandhian Institute of Rural Development on the topic �Food and Climate Security Problems' began at State Guest House here today.

On the closing day of the workshop, Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on fast unto death campaign since November 2000 demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958, would be felicitated by the Maliyalamma Foundation, Kerala with an award tomorrow.

The opening function of the workshop being held under the sponsorship of Ekta Parishad, New Delhi was graced by Ekta Parishad national secretary Ramesh Sharma as chief guest, Padmasree RK Jhaljit as president and social activist AK Memcha Leima, vice-president of the All Manipur Nupi Marup Sakhi and Nupi secretary Sorojini as guests of honour.

Giving key-note address of the opening function, Youth Co-ordinator of NYK Thoubal Y Lakshman noted that global climate change and its impacts on human beings and Earth is one of the most critical issues of the world.

Elaborating on the close link between climate change and food security, Lakshman observed that agricultural fields have been shrinking reciprocal to raising population, triggering extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides This directly aggravates the ever raising temperature.

He said that the workshop was specifically organised to enhance consciousness of the people about the degrading environment.

Ramesh Sharma said that the question of food security is a critical issue of the country.

Noting that many farmers have committed suicide in the last few years, Ramesh asserted that food insecurity among the marginalised farmers bred the suicidal tendency.

Calling upon all the people to share their due responsibility in checking the global climate change, he said that it is a must for all to understand the discipline of ecology and nature.

UCM president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar claimed that there was food security in Manipur until the previous generation.

But today, local food grain production is unable to meet the domestic demand.

Now rice is being imported from Bihar, Haryana and Myanmar to meet the domestic requirement.

This is a serious issue demanding immediate attention of the Government, Dilipkumar said.

Many resource persons and experts spoke at the workshop.

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