Youth urged to take active role in reviving agriculture
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 11 2025:
All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association and Arambai Tenggol Unit-14 organised a one-day discourse and awareness programme on "Role of Youth in Sustaining Agriculture" at Konthoujam Kangjeibung community hall on Sunday.
The programme was attended by Agriculture director Peter Salam, Horticulture and Soil Conservation director K Devdutta Sharma, Central Agricultural University dean Prof Indira Sarangthem, farmers' association president K Thoiba Meitei, and members of Arambai Tenggol Unit-14 .
Speaking at the programme, Devdutta opined that as the state's economy is under strain due to ongoing unrest, the young people need to create their own jobs and contribute to economic growth.
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He welcomed Arambai Tenggol's involvement in agricultural activities and called for a collective effort to utilise the fallow farmland.
He stressed that with discipline, youth can succeed in agriculture, which offers many nature-blessed opportunities for self-sufficiency.
The director observed that the absence of a regulated market, shortage of storage facilities, and limited sales channels cause significant losses for farmers, often forcing them to watch their produce rot.
He suggested exploring private market systems, consulting experts on marketing strategies, and focusing on quality production, while pointing out that punctuality, financial discipline, and avoiding wasting time, are essential for uplift of the economy.
In his address, Thoiba recalled the time when Manipur was self-sufficient contrary to the present situation of the people depending heavily on goods from outside.
The programme was initiated to find ways to increase local production, revive the economy, and encourage educated youth to restore traditional farming practices while turning fallow land into fertile fields, he said.
According to organisers, the discourse aims to inspire youth to view agriculture not only as a livelihood but also as a means to improve the state's economy, reduce dependency on imports, and revive Manipur's agricultural heritage.





