Farmers assured fair distribution of fertiliser
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, June 17 2022:
Agriculture Minister Th Biswajit on Friday inaugurated the District Agriculture Fair-2022 organised by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in association with District Agriculture Office, Imphal West, at State Mechanised Farm Complex, Lamphelpat here.
Speaking as chief guest of the function, Minister Biswajit accepted that the Agriculture Department has been facing many issues for the past many years and the government is keen on streamlining the loopholes.
Mentioning that farmers cannot get subsidy on purchasing tractors under SMAM scheme without the farmers shelling out part of the money, he observed that many farmers do not have the money for the same.
Thus, he assured of talking with the Chief Minister to help the farmers get the subsidy by availing loans from the state government.
Efforts will be made for mechanised farming in the hill areas as well, he conveyed.
Regarding the distribution of fertilisers to farmers at subsidised rate, Biswajit said that there are ample stocks at present and it will be distributed after proper verification of the farmers.
He added that the government is committed to curb the issues concerning fertilisers and if there is any misuse while the fertiliser is being distributed to the competent farmers by the authorities concerned, stringent action will be taken up.
He further appealed to the farmers not to mislead the officials while taking their share of fertilisers.
The agriculture minister then said that using new technology in farming will riot only increase the yield, but will also boost the economy of the state.
If the rate of production is increased, the state can export the products which, in turn, will help in developing the country as a whole, he added.
Stressing on the necessity of modification of government guidelines concerning farming activities according to applicability of the areas, he said that the modification will benefit both the government and the farming community.
To address the issues of the farmers and to bridge the communication gap, the department had installed a toll-free line (800 345-3822) for farmers to share their grievances, the minister informed.
Biswajit then revealed that a proposal has been put up to bore 120 tube wells in areas where there is scarcity of water, adding that these areas would serve as a model for double cropping.
Emphasis will be given to cultivation of crops like potatoes, mustard and peas, which have demand in the market.
He also stressed on use of nano-fertilisers to enhance farm production and environmental sustainability.
"Production of organic crops is the need of the hour to have a healthy society, " he asserted and expressed confidence organising the fair will provide a platform for the farmers to showcase their productivity and exposure for marketing of their crops.
The buyers of Chak-hao have come forward and talks are on for marketing after thorough research of its nutritional value.
In addition, the State Level Crop competition will be revived under a new scheme, he informed and asked the officials and farmers to be innovative, informative and responsible to make a self-reliant India.
Regarding the issue of Oil Palm tree cultivation in the state, Biswajit clarified that Palm tree will be planted at the barren foothills of the state with integrated farming system.
This will not only improve the economy of the farmers but also the environment of the area.
Experts need to share the knowledge regarding the pros and cons of the plantation of Oil palm tree in the state for a proper implementation of the scheme, he stated.
He continued that Manipur is the 17th state in the country to plant Oil Palm Tree, while urging the people to understand that PM Modi is not trying to harm the state by encouraging Oil Palm cultivation.
The fair was organised on the theme of 'Fertiliser Management for Sustainable Agriculture' with the objective of providing a platform for the farmers to showcase their products and gave exposure for marketing of their crops.
The exhibitors in the Fair included Imphal West District Line Departments; Schemes of the Department of Agriculture; Input Dealers of Imphal West and Farmers' Group Stall of Imphal West.
Altogether 23 stalls were opened to showcase the various activities of these exhibitors.
Minister Biswajit along with officials, inspected the stalls and also interacted with the stall representatives.
Under ATMA Scheme, Best Farmers' Group Award, Seed Money Award and Food Security Award for the year 2021-22 and Inputs were also distributed.
The Best Farmers' Group Award comprising a citation and cash award of Rs 20,000 each was given to five farmers' groups.
The Seed Money Award and the Food Security Group Award were given to four fanners' groups each.
The award included a citation and cash award of Rs 10,000 each respectively.
The cash awards will be given through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the awardees.
Later, a technical session was conducted wherein the farmers interacted with the scientists regarding the improvement and applications of new technology in production of crops.
Presided over by commissioner (Agriculture) Mongjam Joy Singh, the inaugural function was attended by Lamsang MLA S Rajen Singh and Agriculture department director N Gojendro as guests of honour along with officials and staff of the Department, representatives of farmer groups and other invitees.
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