Karam Shyam calls for more productivity

Imphal, Oct  11 (DIPR)
 CAF and PD Minister Karam Shyam said that only three months out of 12 months in a year can be used productively in the State due to the unpredictable monsoon. Therefore, various departments of the State Government like Revenue, Water Resources, IT etc should join hands with Agriculture Department to address the issue of the unproductive 9 months in order to increase foodgrains productivity and other crops and minimize dependency on other States.
He was speaking as chief guest at the valedictory function of the 3-day State Agricultural Fair, 2019 held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen, Palace Compound today.
The programme was organised by the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute(SAMETI) in association with the Department of Agriculture. It was sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.
M Joy Commissioner (Agriculture), and Dr I Meghachandra Singh attended the function as president and guest of honour respectively.
Karam Shyam said that he was overwhelmed on seeing different vegetables, fruits and other produces produced by farmers of different districts of Manipur, adding that each district produces its own unique variety. 
Highlighting the problems faced by agricultural sector due to the vagaries of monsoon, he mentioned that experts should conduct awareness programmes and training for the welfare of farmers apart from imparting agricultural know-how and technology. In this way, the problem of scarcity of food can be addressed, he added.
Shyam also stated that such agri-fairs should be held regularly just like the Sangai Festival with funding from the Centre as it will help in boosting the State’s economy . He also appealed the Agriculture Department to extend the duration of the fair to more than 3 days, like around 10 days at least in public interest.
Dr I Meghachandra stated that different strategies need to be adopted to combat climate change, drought problem, uncertain rain and water storage issues.
Speaking as president of the function, Commissioner M Joy expressed concern over farmers’ grievances in terms of climate change, technology etc. and added that a collective effort is required to help farmers for better productivity.
State level best farmer award was conferred on T Phulen Luwang of Bishnupur district while S Korouhanba of Imphal East district and Farmer’s Club promoted by KVK Thoubal bagged the best exemplary and best entrepreneur stall awards respectively.
ATMA Churachandpur grabbed the best performing ATMA district award while the best farmer district level awards were given to 18 persons belonging to the different districts of Manipur.
About 46 stalls were opened in the State Agriculture Fair.