Not letting fields lie fallow : Defining work culture

Taorem Biswajit
IMPHAL, Jan 30 : As India strives to become a developed Nation by 2047, the promotion of a strong work culture especially among the youths and developing a skilled workforce are crucial to realizing this vision as the country’s young population holds the key to driving the Nation’s progress.
To unlock this potential, it is essential to instill a strong work culture among the youths, as unemployment not only leads to issues like drug addiction and misguided choices but also hampers the Nation’s development.
In Manipur, several youths are embracing a strong work culture and turning to agriculture to increase farm production and earn a decent income.
One such person is Laishram Binoy (47), a farmer from Phaknung Makha Leikai in Imphal East, who told The Sangai Express that promoting a strong work culture is the key to improving the State's economy.
He said that in other States, paddy fields are not abandoned after harvesting, instead, seasonal crops are planted to ensure year-round productivity.
Binoy said that he started multiple cropping by planting seasonal crops and vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and more on his field, which measures around one lourok (a local unit of land measurement) after harvesting rice to earn additional income.
A large consignment of vegetables is regularly brought to Manipur and people are unaware whether they are chemically treated, the farmer said.
Pointing out that a significant amount of money leaves the State due to reliance on these imported vegetables, Binoy added that planting seasonal crops on fields instead of abandoning them after harvesting could help retain money within the State.
The farmer said that he also plants garlic and onion, which help him earn extra income.
To increase productivity, timely action is required, he said, adding that the Government needs to provide seeds for seasonal crops to farmers on time to promote multiple cropping.
He expressed a desire for the Government to organise regular training programmes for farmers to enhance their skills.
Khundongbam Mohen, another farmer from Phaknung Awang Leikai, said that for the past four years, he has been planting mustard, potatoes, peas, and onions on his field measuring five sangams (a local land measuring unit).
He added that by practising multiple cropping, he has become  self-sufficient in terms of food production and is able to earn extra income.
Youth must play a larger role in improving the economy of Manipur, he said, adding that a strong work culture is essential for generating income.
He also said that the Government needs to play its part in supporting farm production by providing seeds for seasonal crops on time and organising various training programmes to equip the youth with new skills.
The story is written under the Award in Scientific Journalism Programme of CAU, Imphal.
For further details, please contact Dr Indira Thounaojam, Information & Publicity Officer, CAU Imphal, at [email protected].