LOUSAL bats for agri-revolution for self-reliance
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 20 2023:
In connection with the upcoming observance of Farmers' Day and its foundation day on September 21, Loumee Shinmee Apunba Lup (LOUSAL) appealed to the farmers for an agricultural revolution to make Manipur self-reliant.
In a release, LOUSAL president Mutum Churamani stated that as people of Manipur mostly indulged in agricultural activities, the land was self-reliant with products of the local farmers.
Informing that there are around 1.95 lakh hectares of agricultural land in Manipur of which 88,820 hectares are in the hills and the remaining 1,06,180 hectares were in the valley, he said that construction of buildings by wealthy people violating 'The Manipur Conservation of Agricultural Land and Wetland Act, 2014' and taking undue advantage of 'Public purpose' category has diminished the agricultural land in the valley to around 70,000 hectares.
Around 7.5 tonnes of paddy is produced from one hectare of agricultural land in the valley, while in the hills it is 5 tonnes from the same size.
As such, out of the 60,000 metric tonnes required annually, the state only produces 50 per cent, he added.
He explained that constructions in the name of development in agricultural areas in the valley and mass cultivation of poppy in hills not only led to decline in production but is also causing climate change.
Churamani stated that due to the conflict that broke out on May 3, around 9718 hectares (war zone) will not be able to produce crops as the rainfall deficit is adding burden to the already troubled farmers.
As such, 31,742 hectares of agricultural land will not be able to produce due to scanty rainfall and improper irrigation, he observed.
Stressing the need of the farmers to unite and prevent misuse of agricultural land by government and wealthy people, he urged the government to be sincere so that the farmers could produce sufficiently and make the state food grain sufficient.