CM asks farmers to go hi-tech
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 23 2014 : Launch of three mobile soil testing vans and presentation of awards to nine farmers and various agricultural agencies marked the valedictory function of the four-day State Level Krishi Mela held today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, palace Compound.

As chief guest of the ceremony of the Mela, organised by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) under the aegis of Department of Agriculture, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh handed over the awards carrying cash prize of varied amount and certificates in addition to launching the vans.

He also reviewed agricultural produce and kits put on display in 37 stalls at the Mela.

Urging upon the State farmers to adopt scientific methods of agriculture for enhanced production and sustain the recent achievement of being the highest farm product producing State in the North East region, chief Minister Ibobi also stressed on gradually phasing out use of chemical fertilizers in cultivation of crops.

Pointing out that the central Government awarding Rs 2 crore in recognition of Manipur recording increase in food grain production hints at positive development in the State's agricultural sector, he also strongly advocated on organic farming in the Sikkim model as well as similar plan being envisaged by the Mizoram State Government.

Expressing confidence that ongoing initiative by ATMA officials for scientific method of agriculture would further spur development in the sector, Ibobi said effective utilisation of barren areas in the hill areas would also give tremendous boost to Manipur's endeavour for food grain self-sufficiency.

Chief Minister,Manipur attend closing function of State Level Krishi Mela 2014 at Iboyaima Sumang Lila Shanglen Pix - Arunkumar Thongam

Noting contribution by RVKYs to increase food grain production in their respective areas and cost factor of human labourers, he affirmed that adopting technolo- gically advanced agriculture equipment including tractors, seed sowing machines and application of bio-chemicals would enable the farmers to reap significant profit.

The CM also conveyed that the Government is planning to provide more agricultural machinery at subsidised rate, award cash prize to the tune of Rs 50,000 to progressive cattle farmers and institute a district level farmers' award of Rs 1 lakh each.

With regard to the launch of the mobile soil testing vans, he said each of the vehi-cle would cover three districts each to facilitate the farmers cultivate crops most suitable to the local conditions.

Conceding that it would be impossible to ensure Government job to all the people of Manipur, Ibobi called upon young entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in the agriculture sector so as to generate personal income along with providing regular employment to the local work-force.

In the Best ATMA category, senapati district bagged the top cash prize of Rs 50,000 followed by Imphal West (Rs 30,000) and Thoubal (Rs 20,000) in second and third positions respectively.

Among the stalls, Farmer Mechanisation, RKVY and NTSM Rice were declared the first (Rs 10,000), second (Rs 5000) and third (Rs 5000) position winners respectively.

Andro (Imphal East) claimed the best KVK award of Rs 10,000 with Thoubal having to content with half the amount as consolation prize.

The valedictory programme was also attended by Agriculture Minister Md Abdul Nasir, Commissioner (Agri) Rajesh Agrawal, director (Vety & HA) Dr Saidokhum Joute, Director (Seri) Ginjamang Simte, Director (Fisheries) K Saratkumar, ICAR Research Complex Joint Director Dr N Prakash and Joint director (Hort & Soil Conservation) AS Ningmi.