Guv opens Intl conference on natural farming

DIPR/OSR
Imphal, Mar 17 : Governor Anusuiya Uikey inaugurated an international conference on “Natural farming for Revitalizing Environment and Resilient Agriculture” at the auditorium of Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal today.
The Governor also opened an exhibition on natural farming produces of innovative farmers from Manipur and other North Eastern States.
Speaking at the inaugural function, the Governor said that nowadays people are very cautious about their health and the food they eat daily, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic.
She said, keeping in view of the ill-effects, people are avoiding inorganic 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 to cater to the needs of people, she said.
The Governor continued that modern agriculture has increased the rate of food production and made the country self-sufficient but at the same time the people are facing many problems.
By using fertilizers and pesticides, soil degradation and environmental pollution have been aggravated.
Keeping in view such situations, NITI Aayog organized a National consultation in which Indian natural farming system was discussed. Indian Council of Agricultural Research constituted a committee to develop natural farming courses and materials at UG and PG level, she said.
Vice Chancellor of CAU, Imphal, Dr Anupam Mishra was appointed as Member Secretary, she added.
Anusuiya said, 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 farmers to adopt natural farming in the next three years, she added.
The Governor expressed confidence that deliberations in the convention would make way for positive steps which will help in developing natural farming not only in India but also in many countries across the world.
Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam while speaking at the function said, 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 must be developed to new heights.
MLA Nishikant Singh Sapam also spoke on the importance of irrigation in the development of agriculture in the State. 
Although Manipur receives adequate quantity of rain, the State has been witnessing many shortfalls in terms of irrigation facilities, Nishikant said.
He said that the State, as a whole, can be prosperous  when the State’s agricultural productivity is maximised and the farmers are earning decent incomes.
If sufficient irrigation facilities are provided even only in Imphal valley, if not the whole State, by constructing enough reservoirs and canals, farmers can definitely practice double cropping and this would augment their incomes substantially, he said.
Three books/journals were also released at the function.
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 conference.
Delegates from Bangladesh, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, England and US will be participating in eight technical sessions during the three-day conference which is being organised by Central Agricultural University, Iroisemba, Imphal.