Our Correspondent
Imphal, July 30 (EMN): A two-day National workshop cum brainstorming session on ‘Unleashing the hidden potential of maize technology in NE hill region: status options and strategies’ was inaugurated at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) complex in Imphal on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion Deputy Chief Minister Joykumar said that the government is planning to take up solar power energy generation and proper irrigation system in the state under the 15th plan for better agricultural activities because the region lacks irrigation facilities due to negligence. Acknowledging the hidden potential of maize cultivation in NE region, he also expressed his desire that the neighbouring states in the NE region also take up similar steps to improve irrigation facilities so that multiple cropping can be done to enhance the farmer’s income. In his speech, Director Prakash of ICAR for NE hill region also informed the gathering that his institution has taken up maize cultivation improvement programmes in Manipur, Meghalaya, and Sikkim since the last two years.
Interestingly among the NE states, Nagaland is the highest maize producer even though Karnataka stands top across the country, according to Dr SL Jat of IIMR. Even though NE states is a big consumer of maize and its products, the production of the crop in region is very minimal despite having enough potential, Dr Jat said while delivering key note address in the day’s function which was attended by many farmers from across the state.
