Newmai News Network
Imphal: The need for having an agricultural policy of its own in Manipur was stressed as World Farmers’ Day was celebrated in Manipur on Tuesday.
Loumi Yaipha Lup (LOYALUP), a farmers’ body, hosted one of the celebrations in Imphal’s Manipur Press Club.
Addressing the occasion, director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, K Debadutta Sharma said that while celebrating the day, there is the need for a thorough deliberation on the plights and concerns of the farmers in the state.
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Right from non-availability of irrigation facility, the plights of the farmers are numerous. The farmers of the state are struggling for their survival despite all these odds, he said.
Addressing these numerous plights of the farmers will take time, the officer added. Now, the time has come to find ways to address the plights of the farmers so as to bring forward the progress, the state would need to be self-sufficient which would be able to attend only when the plights of the farmers are addressed, the director further said.
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In this regard the responsibility of the organizations working in the interest of the farmers is also very important besides a comprehensive policy and programme of the government.
These organizations need to press the government for implementing various farmers’ oriented welfare schemes in a fair manner.
One of the main reasons for famers of the state suffering is the absence of a specific policy for agriculture. The state needs implementation of an agriculture policy.
The neighbouring state of Assam has its agriculture policy, he said.
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Meanwhile, the director expressed apprehension about the failure of various horticulture projects in the hill areas of the state owing to the ongoing prolonged ethnic crisis.
As the projects are on the verge of failure, there is a need for extra efforts on the part of the farmers to increase the productivity of the state.
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There is a need for growing suitable crops in the fields not affected by the ongoing crisis. This also would need a specific policy or programme of the government, the director further added.
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