Minister Biswajit stresses on promotion of organic foods
Fertiliser Warehouses inaugurated, Vermi Compost Unit planned in Imphal EasT
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, June 30 2022: Agriculture minister Th Biswajit inaugurated 150 MT capacity fertiliser storehouses constructed under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in Imphal East and Thoubal districts in a function held at the District Agriculture Office complex of Imphal East on Thursday.

Speaking as chief guest, Biswajit informed that the fertiliser storehouses were constructed as part of the BJP government's first 100 days action programme.

While recounting that RKVY was implemented in the state in 2009-10 with seven allied departments even though the scheme was launched in 2006-07, he confided that the government is trying to utilise fund under RKVY scheme in a more creative and innovative way.

As the centrally allocated funds seem adequate to meet the requirements of the state, he said guidelines which are not applicable to the state need be discussed.

We can propose to the Centre on the feasibility of the scheme and take the responsibility for implementing the scheme differently, he added.

The minister further said that RKVY is an important programme of the central government for the farmers and the department needs to reach out to the farmers to achieve the objective of the scheme and but expressed dissatisfaction over the poor implementation status of the scheme and urged the department officials to be sincere in carrying out their duties.

He also acknowledged issues being faced by the department in terms of infrastructure, manpower and financial resources, and assured of doing his best for increasing the department's budget.

Biswajit went on to state that most of the farmers produce crops focusing on quantity only but at present maintaining quality of the crops should be the accorded importance in order to have a healthy society.

Emphasis should be given on producing organic crops and the easiest way to achieve the target is to use vermicompost.

Imphal East district can be a model for successful implementation of the pilot project for utilisation of vermicompost and it can be expanded to all the districts, he said, while informing that a vermicompost unit will be developed in Imphal East district soon.

The minister also said that funding through NABARD for development of infrastructures of agriculture department has remained unutilised.

He will urge the government to take up steps to develop infrastructure, human resource and financial resources to run the department in a full-fledged manner.

He said that cooperation is needed between various departments to achieve goal of the government.

Speaking about the distribution of urea to farmers, the minister informed that distribution is not based on land holding document but done after verification of genuine farmers only.

In his address, Agriculture commissioner Mongjam Joy stated that the 150 MT storehouse has been constructed at a total cost at Rs 80 lakh, funded under RKVY for the year 2020-2021.He further said that Crop Insurance Week campaign will be flagged off on July 1 at the director's office chamber and it will be participated by all the District Extension Officers (DEOs).

DEOs will campaign for a week in 75 blocks in different districts, including the aspirational district - Chandel.

Insurance company, banks and stakeholders related to Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) will give awareness during the campaign, he added.

Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha, Agriculture director N Gojendro, District Agriculture Officer Imphal East L Doungel, officials and staff of district agriculture office also attended the inauguration function.

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