Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh Thursday launched the Direct Benefit Transfer for 18,000 registered farmers under Horticulture Department for Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Phase- III (2020-23). There are altogether 25,000 farmers under Phase-III MOVCDNER, Manipur including 7000 farmers registered under Agriculture Department and 18,000 farmers under Horticulture department.
Thursday’s programme was held at the Darbar Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, N. Biren Singh appreciated farmers turning towards organic farming. He called on all farmers to focus on organic farming and support the government’s mission to convert the State into a total organic State within the next five years.
Stressing on the negatives of chemical fertilizers, the Chief Minister said chemical fertilizers affect health. He further noted the need to convert to organic farming and said that organic farming is in fact easy as preparation of organic manure using kitchen waste and leaf debris is quite easy. He further expressed his belief to witness an increase in the number of farmers, production and areas covered under the scheme by next year.
Horticulture is very much related to livelihood and health, he said, explaining that the department provides livelihood avenues to uneducated youth and encouraging organic farming helps in improving the health of the people. The Horticulture department has a major role in making Manipur self-reliant, improving the State’s economy and health sector, he added.
The launching programme was also attended by Horticulture and Soil Conservation Director, Honey Chara, officials of MOMA, among others.
Direct Benefit Transfer of Rs. 11,250 per farmer for the components of assistance for on-farm input for both first year and second year and for off-farm inputs production for first year was transferred to the individual registered farmer’s account Thursday. Another Rs. 3750 will be transferred to the farmers in the next instalment.
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