Imphal, October 24 2010: Imphal East District Horticulture and Soil Conservation office today distributed winter crop seeds to farmers of the district at a function held at the Supervisor Training Hall of the Department at Mantripukhri.

The crop seeds distribution function graced as chief guest by deputy chairman of the State Planning Board, Bijoy Koijam, was presided by MLA Ng Bijoy, MLAs from Imphal east, Th Nandakishore and Th Shyamkumar, Commissioner of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, K Moses Chalai and district horticulture officer S Prafullo attended as guests of honour.

Seeds of onion, cabbage, pea, etc.

were distributed on the occasion to the farmers from Imphal east district.

In his speech as chief guest, Bijoy Koijam stressed the need for proper verification in the selection of beneficiaries of such a scheme observing that people pretending to be farmers and having no field of their own have been found availing the benefits.

This has hurt the sentiments of the real farmers.

Pointing out that the state is heavily dependent on imported food items, he said this has slowed the economic development of the state.

Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department should take the major role in efforts to make Manipur a self sustainable state.

Ng Bijoy, in his presidential speech at the function, reminded that the crop seeds are being distributing to the farmers to grow in their fields, and are meant not for consumption.

Farmers should be sincere while availing the benefits and should try their best to enhance their incomes with the crop seeds being supplied.

He also suggested authority of the horticulture and soil conservation department to chalk out plans for growing fruit bearing plants in the forest areas of the state.

This will help in enhancing gross domestic product of the state, he added.

K Moses Chalai observed that one of the main reason behind the low productivity in the state is the non-application of the latest scientific and technical knowhow.

State farmers lack such knowledge, he added.

Comment