CM flags off Chak-hao to Europe
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, August 12 2021: Chief minister N Biren flagged off a consignment of 1 metric tonne (MT) of organic Chak-Hao (black rice) to Europe in a simple function held at the western gate of CM Secretariat on Thursday.

He also flagged off vehicles carrying quality seeds for distribution to villagers of different districts affected by destruction of poppy plantations due to the government's 'War on Drugs' campaign.

Quality seeds are being provided to villagers under the Alternative Seed Distribution Scheme by the department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation.

Addressing the media, Biren said that Chak-Hao received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag and it has good demands from different parts of the country as well.

He said that for the first time, 1 MT of the highly nutritious rice variety was being exported officially to different European countries.

He further said that export of organic ginger and pineapple are also being done regularly under the aegis Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA), department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation.

Stating that all necessary supports are being extended to farmers in this regard, he said that there is a need for quantity and quality increase in production of indigenous varieties.

The CM also said that distribution of seeds was for around 460 hectares for the farmers affected by destruction of poppy plants due to 'War on Drugs' campaign.

Seeds of Fl-Cabbage, quinoa and ginger would be provided to the farmers of Kangpokpi, Chandel, Ukhrul, Tengnoupal and Senapati districts as alternative to poppy, he added.

Since launch of 'War on Drugs' campaign to destroy illegal poppy plantations in the state, many poppy growers were affected.

To mitigate the adverse and immediate impact of poppy destruction on poor farmers, he instructed the officials concerned to form an inter-departmental committee and chalk out ways to provide quality seeds as an alternative means of livelihood to the farmers.

The committee recommended distribution of quality winter seeds as alternative crops.

An amount of Rs 50 lakh was sanctioned during 2020-21 for procurement and distribute the same to the farmers.

CM Biren alsolaunched the Special Cover on Kachai lemon for Department of Posts, Manipur Division in a simple function held Thursday.

The department releases Special Covers on diverse themes from time to time in order to celebrate/commemorate an event, recognise the importance of a place or thing or promote a local indigenous product/flora or fauna, or a brand for wide publicity.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Biren described as a matter of great pride and privilege to release the special cover on the local indigenous fruit, Kachai lemon which mainly grows in the wild in Kachai village of Ukhrul district.

He further said that Kachai lemon had already received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag as well.

Biren also expressed hope that bringing out of Special Cover would create more publicity for the lemon variety all over the country.

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