Scientific use of wetlands stressed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 25 2025: Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation director K Devdutta Sharma has suggested that if the Wetlands in the state are utilised in a scientific manner, the state could achieve tremendous improvement in its economy.

He made the statement at the inaugural function of a "One Day Farmers' Conclave cum Kisan Mela" organised jointly by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Manipur Centre and five ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra at ICAR Complex, Lamphelpat on Friday.

In his speech, Devdutta said that Manipur's large wetland areas enable it to produce a variety of aquatic products.

"One such product is the lotus plant, which has various benefits.

We need to scientifically cultivate lotus plant for which there is a need to open a National Research Centre," he stated, while informing that the Department plans to mass cultivate fox nuts, Which are regarded as one of the many super foods in the world.

He then reiterated the importance of utilising the wetlands scientifically to enhance the state's economy.

The conclave was also attended by Agriculture Department director Peter Salam, ICAR Manipur Centre HoRC Ch Basudha and ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam (Meghalaya) director Dr Vinay Kumar Mishra as presidium members.

Altogether 20 stalls were set up to display items produced by farmers from five KVKs of Chandel, Churachandpur, Imphal West, Tamenglong and Ukhrul districts.

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