Manipur has brought 400 hectares under organic cultivation and launched a new biofertiliser initiative.
IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday said that 400 hectares of agricultural land in the state have already been brought under organic cultivation, while another 400 hectares are being prepared for conversion under the Agriculture Department's ongoing efforts.
He said the vision of making Manipur a fully organic state could be achieved through collective efforts.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of a Bioreactor Unit for Biofertiliser Production at the CSIR–North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) Branch Laboratory in Imphal.
Emphasising the importance of sustainable agriculture, Khemchand said the use of biofertilisers would contribute to building a healthier India. He cautioned that excessive use of chemical fertilisers not only harms human health but also degrades soil fertility.
Referring to Sikkim's success in organic farming, he noted that the Himalayan state was declared India's first fully organic state in 2016 and has maintained that status since then.
He further stated that the promotion of biofertilisers and organic farming forms an important component of the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
The chief minister urged beneficiaries of the newly distributed bioreactor units to utilise them effectively and ensure that biofertiliser production reaches farmers across the state.
Speaking at the event, Prof. VM Tiwari, Director of CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, said the organisation has been contributing to society through scientific research and skill development programmes for several decades.
He added that CSIR missions have been implemented effectively in Manipur over the past seven to eight years.
During the programme, memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed between CSIR-NEIST and two Manipur-based incubatees—Sagolsem Nimaichand Singh, General Secretary of a farmers-based organisation, and Ningombam Arunkumar Singh of M/s Global Bio Solutions, Thangal Bazar, Imphal.
VB-G RAM G Mission launched in Manipur
Meanwhile, the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), formerly known as MGNREGS, was formally launched in Manipur on Thursday.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj organised the launch event at Salam Tharojam Eco Tourism Park near Imphal.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Tourism and Arts and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, legislators and senior officials attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced that daily wages under the scheme have been increased from INR 283 to INR 300.
He said the initiative would support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, adding that job card holders would now receive 125 days of guaranteed employment annually, compared to the earlier 100 days under MGNREGS.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who also holds the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj portfolio, participated in the programme through video conferencing.