TMB Report
Imphal: Governor Sushri Anusuiya Uikey inaugurated an International Conference on the theme “Natural Farming for Revitalizing Environment and Resilient Agriculture” at the auditorium of Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Imphal on Friday.
The Governor also opened an exhibition on natural farming products of innovative farmers from Manipur and other North Eastern States.
Speaking at the inaugural function, the Governor said that nowadays people are cautious about their health and taking care even in food mostly after the Covid-19 pandemic.
She said that keeping in view the ill effects, people are avoiding in-organic foods and all are talking about organic foods which are free from fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, large scale adoption of natural farming processes will be the best option available to cater to the needs of people, she noted.
The Governor observed that modern agriculture has increased the rate of food production and made the country self-sufficient but at the same time we are facing many problems. By using fertilizers and pesticides, soil degradation has increased, thereby causing pollution to our environment, she opined.
The Governor conveyed that given the situation, NITI Aayog organised a national consultation in which the Indian natural farming system was discussed. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research constituted a committee to develop natural farming courses and materials at UG and PG level. Vice- Chancellor of CAU Imphal, Dr.Anupam Mishra was appointed as Member Secretary, she informed.
Anusuiya said that in order to promote natural farming in the country schemes like National Agriculture Development Scheme and Indian Natural farming System have been introduced and a total of Rs.4980.99 lakh was released. The government has set a target of helping one crore farmer to adopt natural farming in the next three years, she divulged.
The Governor expressed confidence that deliberations during the convention will yield good steps which will help in developing natural farming not only in India but also in many countries in the world.
Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam while speaking at the function observed that as a result of technological advancement and technical know-how, agricultural production has increased considerably but there have been many issues on health and environment. Therefore, natural farming is the best farming method and it is to be developed to new heights, he added.
Taking part in the event, MLA Nishikant Singh Sapam also spoke on the importance of irrigation in the development of agriculture in the State.
Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal, Dr.PS Pandey, Vice-Chancellor, RLBCAU, Pusa, Bihar, Dr. Indira Sarangthem, Dean, College of Agriculture, CAU, delegates from within and outside the country and students attended the inaugural function.
Delegates from Bangladesh, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, England and U.S., will be participating in eight technical sessions in the three-day conference which is being organised by Central Agricultural University, Iroisemba, Imphal.
