DIPR
Imphal : Chief Minister N. Biren Singh attended a flag-in ceremony of Organic Farming Educational Tour at IGAR South, Mantripukhri on Monday. The team comprising 20 youth from Sajik Tampak area was flagged
off on February 4 to Sikkim from Kakching for Skill Training.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of the function, N. Biren Singh expressed happiness on the Assam Rifles for such an initiative of taking villagers from Sajik Tampak to Sikkim for skill training
on organic farming.
He congratulated the Assam Rifles for taking up such a meaningful and effective measure to counter poppy plantation and illegal drugs in the State.
Further acknowledging the contribution of the Assam Rifles mainly in counter insurgency operations and guarding the border, the Chief Minister also said that he is aware of the difficulties
faced by the Assam Rifles in dealing with the insurgents and difficult terrains.
The Chief Minister said that he is very much thankful that the force has joined hands in the ‘War on Drugs’ campaign and countering illegal drugs. With the help of the Assam Rifles, we are
able to nab many smugglers with huge quantities of illegal drugs and that the Assam Rifles is also involved in the destruction of poppy plantations in the hill areas, he said
He said that the ‘War on Drugs’ is a campaign towards making a ‘Nishamukt Bharat.’ The Chief Minister also explained rehabilitation or alternative plantations for poppy plantations which could be beneficial for the villagers.
The government cannot provide government jobs to each and every one, but there are schemes like the Manipur StartUp which can help the people, he added.
The 20 member team was led by Major Kunal Banerjee of the 15 Assam Rifles. During the tour, the team visited various organic farming institutes and interacted with many organic farmers and
witnessed the techniques employed by them.
Major General Rajan Sherawat, IGAR (South) and other officers of Assam Rifles, villagers from Sajik Tampak and nearby areas also attended the function.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister also visited and inspected the ongoing work at the Sangai Ethnic Park at Moirang Khunou and said preparation for the upcoming G-20 events in the State is almost complete with the
blessings of the people.
In an earnest appeal to the general public, the Chief Minister urged the people to showcase their best hospitality towards the visiting international delegates and to ensure that there are no disturbances like bandhs, blockades. Let us all
show calm, peaceful and developing State to the visiting delegates so that they may want to set up businesses, establishments in the State, he added.
During the inspection, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister Letpao Haokip, Education Minister Th. Basanta Kumar, MLA Moirang AC Thongam Shanti Singh, Chairman
LDA M. Asnikumar, Chief Secretary, Administrative Secretaries, Head of Departments, DC and SP Bishnupur among others.
According to a press release of IGAR(S), the tour was organised to enlighten and expose the young farmers to myriad options of organic farming. During their maiden visit to Sikkim, participant farmers
were made aware about various chemical free organic farming techniques. Series of presentations and field visits to various organic farms were also organised by the Agriculture and Horticulture Department
of Sikkim. During the tour, the farmers interacted with Governor of Sikkim Ganga Prasad Chaurasia at Gangtok on February 9. The farmers were able to gain practical knowledge on organic ways of soil testing towards controlling pests during the farm visits, harvesting techniques along with an exposure to
the emerging markets for organic products.
