CM calls for cattle rearing, natural farming
Source: Chronicle News Service

Bishnupur, December 15 2022: Chief Minister N Biren has called for cattle rearing and practicing natural farming by using cow manure for a healthy living.

He made the clarion call while inaugurating a two-day Cow Mela at Oinam Sagol Kangjeibung in Bishnupur district on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering, the CM said that the mela is part of the inauguration month, which is celebrated by the government.

Such mela will be conducted every six months and cow owners in different districts will be awarded with monetary incentive of Rs 1,00,000, and Rs 50,000 based on their performances.

Biren said that DCs have been instructed to identify fields for growing cattle fodder in consultation with MLAs.

The major obstacle in rearing cow today is lack of fodder, the CM said while adding that the main objective behind encouraging cow rearing is to encourage natural and organic farming in the state.

There is an increasing risk of developing cancer and other critical ailments including diabetes due to consumption of vegetable and crops grown with chemical fertilisers, The Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is promoting organic and natural farming by using cattle manure and other organic fertilisers.

The society has changed drastically and age old tradition of natural farming and clean surrounding practiced by the forefathers could not be seen any longer.

There is a need to revive those practices, which are beneficial to human health and the environment as well, he said.

The CM also expressed concern over the rampant deforestation in the hills which further leads to water crisis and receding water level of Loktak Lake.

The main cause behind this development is large scale poppy plantation in the hills, which is done by clearing forest trees.

Koubru hills range and Thangjing hills range are bearing a bald look due to such illegal and environmentally harmful practices.

Those involved in such practices should be seen as enemy of the public, the nation and humanity as well, he said.

While discouraging use of chemical fertilisers, the CM said that the government is taking up initiatives to produce organic fertilisers from the Phumdis of Loktak Lake.

He called for practicing organic or natural farming for a healthy living.

The government is also in the process of replacing conventional grain chemical fertiliser with nano fertilisers, which is far more effective in increasing soil fertility and less harmful to the soil.

The government will acquire drones for spraying nano-fertilisers and the programme will cover the entire state, he said.

Stressing on the importance of farmers for human survival, the CM said that the government is taking up policies and measures to protect agricultural land.

The government is also making efforts like encouraging double cropping, distribution of seeds, machineries and building dams to ensure self-sufficient food production in the state, he added.

Veterinary and animal husbandry minister Khashim Vashum expressed happiness over organising such event to encourage cattle farmers and urged the farmers to put in efforts towards conserving local cow variety.

Agriculture minister Th Biswajit, works minister Govindas Konthoujam, education minister Th Bas-antakumar, Oinam MLA Irengbam Nalini, and senior officials of the veterinary and animal husbandry department were also present at the inauguration function.

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