State team begins exposure study in Kerala
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 28 2025: A team from the Agriculture Department, led by its director Gojendro Ningthoujam, reached Kerala in connection with the inter-state exposure study.

Organised under a mutual understanding between the agriculture departments of Manipur and Kerala, the exposure trip aims to facilitate exchange of knowledge and practices to promote agricultural sustainability and innovation in both states.

The delegation began their study tour with a visit to Aluva State Seed Farm in Ernakulam.

Known as a hub for high-quality seed production, the farm provided the state team with valuable insights into Kerala's advanced seed production techniques.

State team begins exposure study in Kerala

The team observed various stages of certified seed production, including steps to ensure genetic purity, efficient storage, and systematic distribution.

The farm's focus on producing high-yield and disease-resistant varieties of paddy, vegetables, and other crops generated keen interest from the visiting team.

Director Gojendro emphasised the relevance of these practices for Manipur, stating, "The innovative seed production methods we have seen today can be a game-changer for Manipur.

With proper implementation, we can achieve self-sufficiency in seed production and reduce dependency on external sources" .

In the afternoon, the team visited the Bio Control Lab in Mannuthy, Thrissur, a facility celebrated for its contributions to eco-friendly agriculture.

The lab specialises in producing bio-control agents, bio-fertilisers, and bio-pesticides, all of which are essential for sustainable farming practices.

The team observed the entire process, from microbial culturing to the packaging and distribution of these eco-friendly products.

The lab's efforts in reducing chemical pesticide use and promoting natural pest management methods were highly appreciated by the delegation.

"The Bio Control Lab is an excellent example of how technology and nature can work hand in hand.

Adopting such practices in Manipur will not only improve soil health but also reduce the harmful impact of chemical pesticides on our environment," remarked a team member.

The first day of the exposure visit proved to be an enriching experience for the state team.

The knowledge gained from the Aluva Seed Farm and the Bio Control Lab has laid a strong foundation for introducing innovative and sustainable agricultural practices back in the state.

Expressing optimism, Gojendro stated, "The practices we have seen today are practical and scalable.

We look forward to implementing these models in Manipur to address our challenges in seed production and sustainable pest management" .

The team will continue their study tour with visits to other agricultural hubs in Kerala, including Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and tribal agricultural initiatives.

The insights from this exposure visit are expected to contribute significantly to achieving sustainable agriculture in Manipur.