Keep line Agri and allied Depts under one minister: LOUSHAL
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 09 2021: Loumi Shinmi Apunba Lup (LOUSAL) has demanded the government to keep the line departments related to agriculture under one minister so as to enhance agricultural activities in the state.

In a release, LOUSAL publicity secretary P Inaobi, while seeking the attention of the government ahead of the assembly session, demanded appointment of Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) for coordination among the line departments.

Urging the government to implement soil health card scheme launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2015 in the state, he said that any sort of conflict between tenant farmers and owners could be settled amicably if it is implemented.

Agriculture department also needs to discuss with farmers concerned before taking up of any schemes related with irrigation.

He further demanded implementation of Agriculture Produces Marketing Committee (APMC) so that the government could buy the produces from the farmers at compatible price and urged for setting up cold storage in every district and implement minimum support price.

Drawing the attention of the government, he urged for discussing their demands during the upcoming assembly session.

It is unfortunate that the government despite its claim of having adequate fertilisers and assurance of providing it to farmers at subsidized rate (Rs 266.80), could not provide the same, he contended, while adding that the hunger strike protest launched by farmers demanding fertilisers is first of its kind in the history of Manipur.

"The government needs to come up with a long-term solution so as to solve the problems of the farmers", Inaobi maintained.

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