IMPHAL, April 17 (EMN): Benefits of locally available crops particularly Chak-hao (Black Aromatic Rice) which is said to be have been known as “Super Food” in countries such as USA has been become the centre of attraction on the first day of the two day Buyer and Seller Meet Cum Workshop for Agriculture and Horticulture Products with Special Focus on Organic Products of Manipur at the City Convention Centre here on Monday.
Minister of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Forest and Environment and MAHUD Thounaojam Shyamkumar Singh accompanied by the state chief secretary O Nabakishore inaugurated the meet in presence of Vice Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal Dr M Premjit Singh, Joint Secretary, INM Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare,Government of India I Rani Kumudini, Joint Director, ICAR, Manipur Centre Dr N Prakash, Advisor,National Accreditation Board, APEDA AK Yadav were Guest of Honour of the function while Director DoNER Marcina Epao, Managing Director,NERAMAC Pankaj Prasad, Dean, College of Agriculture, CAU Professor Joykumar Laishram,Director of Horticulture & Soil Conservation and Agriculture, farmers, exporters, experts from different parts of the country.
In his speech Minister Shyamkumar said the presence of the dignitaries and officials at the function reflects keen interest and strong political will of the Government of India to make organic farming one of the major drivers of economic and social development.
Minister Shyamkumar said that, he is optimistic that the increasing demand for high-value organic products of the State will create market, providing necessary impetus and opportunity for the farmers to generate economic growth and gainful employment.
In his address, Chief Secretary Nabakishore highlighted the benefits of Chak-hao (Black Aromatic Rice) and called upon the farmers of the state to increase the yield of the Chak-hao to meet the demand-supply ratio.
The farmers of the State need not fear as their products will be bought by the State which will subsequently increase the income of the farmers. Nabakishore further said that, he will personally become an entrepreneur to sell the Chak-hao, which is known as the “Super Food” in USA.
The event is expected to provide opportunity to meet and interact with new partners, learn from each other and create new connections and facilitate market opening of organic products in the State and promote brand “Organic Manipur” for National and Export market.
MOMA has been implementing the scheme Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Region under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare since 2015-16 in the state. The scheme aims at promotion and production of certified organic commodities focusing on export oriented crops viz. tamenglong orange, kachai lemon, pineapple, king Ccilli (U-morok), ginger, turmeric and chak-hao (black aromatic rice) covering a total area of 5,000 hectare with 5,000 farmers.
