Campaign on rebuilding economy begins
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 26 2023: The campaign on 'Rebuilding economy through agricultural activities' phase-I aimed at rebuilding economy of the state that has been badly affected since outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3 was launched at Pukhao village in Imphal East district on Wednesday.

The opening function of the campaign, which is being carried out under the aegis of Committee on Agriculture and Horticulture for Rebuilding Economy of the state was chaired by social worker Nongthombam Rajendro (Boy) .

The function was also attended by director (agriculture) N Gojendro, additional director (horticulture & soil conservation) K Devdutta Sharma, chief engineer (MI) H Brajendra, executive engineer (CADA) Ch Priyokumar, AMFA president K Thoiba, LOUSHAL president M Churamani, scientists of CAU Imphal, KVK Imphal East SMS and district officers of agriculture and horticulture of Imphal East district.

Committee convener K Devdutta Sharma said during the launch func tion that the violence that erupted on May 3 has not only severely affected economy of the state but also hampered agricultural activities, which serve as backbone of state's economy.

The situation will turn from bad to worse if we fail to rebuild the economy with collective efforts.

While import of essential items to the state is still facing problem, local products could not be transported outside the state and nobody knows when normalcy will return.

From early morning till late night, entire people of the state rely on products from outside.

Nevertheless, people of Manipur have to survive and the violence which broke out on May 3 has awaken the people to the need for producing more local products, he observed and appealed to people put efforts in increasing crop production.

According to K Devdutta Sharma, the campaign is being launched to make the people aware that agriculture, horticulture, minor irrigation and allied departments are always ready to help farmers for year-long crop production.

He said that a farmer can easily earn Rs 2.5 lakh in a year if passion fruit is planted in one 'Pari' of land and passion fruit can be cultivated for 5/6 years without any break if given irrigation water.

He also said that farmers need not worry for marketing the passion fruit as horticulture department will shoulder the responsibility for selling passion fruit.

The department is ready to impart training and even help in procuring soft loan from bank if farmers need financial support to start the plantation, he added.

Regarding the campaign, director (agriculture) N Gojendro said that the agriculture department has been extending help to farmers in difficult times including in drought and natural disaster when agricultural activities could not be taken up properly.

The present violence has severely affected agricultural activities in Pukhao, Uyumpok, Khundrakpam and Sagolmang areas but the committee will assess and find out suitable crops for these areas, he assured, adding that the agriculture department is ready to provide seeds if farmers are interested in mustard plantation for oil.

Farmers could also plant pea or corn and the department is ready to provide seeds, he said, adding that farmers could also procure the required urea fertilizer.

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