Farmers’ Field Day

Imphal: As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Hahotsav celebration, ICAR Manipur Centre organised a “Farmers’ Field Day cum Input Distribution” on Wednesday at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, here.

The inaugural programme was graced by minister of state for agriculture and farmers’ welfare, Shobha Karandlaje as chief guest.

Shobha encouraged northeastern states including Manipur farmers to adopt oil palm cultivation. She said that India is currently importing 70 percent of palm oil for its consumption from other countries and the central government has been trying to make it self-reliant in the production of the oil palm. The centre is giving emphasis to the northeast region to achieve the target.

The central government under the leadership of Prime Minister has been giving special focus in agriculture and its allied sector. Keeping this in mind and being 70 percent of the total population of the country being farmers, the budget allocation in this sector has also increased manifolds. India is leading ahead in the export of agricultural products in the global market, she added.

Various welfare schemes for the farmers are being implemented across the country. Financial assistance is also being provided to self-help groups and cooperative societies, she said.

Besides, her ministry is providing financial assistance to the farmers in the construction of dwelling houses, she said and urged the farmers of the state to avail the benefits of the schemes. The minister assured to extend all possible assistance to the farmers of the state to enhance their income and living condition.

At the ICAR NEH Region, she opened exhibition stalls of women agripreneurs as part of the Farmers’ Field Day cum Input Distribution. The exhibitions was participated by 11 women based exhibitors.

The minister distributed critical inputs to few selected farmers of Manipur during the function while it is reported that more than 300 farmers from across the state received critical inputs.

She released publication of Agro based products.

The farmers’ field day was organised with the theme “Rice Field Day” to showcase eleven rice varieties including three newly released rice varieties during the programme.