Tonsing distributes power tillers, pumps, hives, etc.

to farmers
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 30 2009: The technology Mission Cell under the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur has distributed 57 power tillers, 28 diesel water pump sets, 300 hives and 100 knapsack sprayers to selected beneficiary farmers today.

The distribution function was held at the parade ground of 1st Manipur Rifles Battalion.

Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister, Phungzathang Tonsing said, distribution of the horticultural implements and farm machineries is done under the Prime Minister's Special Package.

These are not distributed for fashion.

The aim is to help the farmers in their production so as to help the economy of the state in turn, he said.

Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Phungzathang Tonsing and TD Minister DD Thaisii inspect power tillers

The Minister further said that in order to increase the horticultural produce and move forward to development, the technology mission for integrated development of horticulture for North East states was set up as part of the Central sponsored schemes.

The horticultural implements and farm machineries are being distributed as prt of the scheme.Phungzathang Tonsing appealed to the farmers to expand the cultivable land and try to increase the horticultural produce.

The Minister said, 20/20 knapsacks and sprayers will be given free of cost to each of the 60 MLAs of the state for distribution to selected beneficiaries.

He also said that 30/30 of the same implements will be given to the officials concerned of all the nine districts and make them distribute the same to selected farmers.

Minister of Tribal Development, District Councils & Hills and Veterinary & Animal Husbandary DD Thaisii, who was the guest of honour on the occasion, said that as the cultivable land for paddy available in the hills is very small, it will be more beneficial if the people turn towards horticulture.

However, paddy must also be cultivated since it is the staple food of the people of Manipur.

Making a fervent appeal to the beneficiary farmers of the hills to stop selling off their farming machineries and other implements to people in the valley instead of taking them to their homes in the hills, Minister Thaisii said that the farmers must take their implements and machineries distributed to them to their homes in the hills and make the best use of the tools.

Commissioner, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, BB Sharma also spoke at the function.

The cost of the power tillers and water pump sets is borne 45% by the government, 9% by the beneficiaries and the rest by the Centre.