Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh launched the Alternative Farming System for Tribal Jhumias/Poppy Planters in Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Noney, Tamenglong, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tengnoupal and Chandel District of the State at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat today. He also distributed Rabi Crops seeds nursery items and tools and equipment to 17 registered farmers societies from Senapati, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Kamjong, Ukhrul, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Tamenglong and Noney.

The programme was organised by Eastern Border Areas Development Authority (EBADA), Government of Manipur under the funding North Eastern Council (NEC) Shilong, Government of India.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri N. Biren raised concern on the impact of global warming adding that the State’s weather pattern has changed. He cited large scale deforestation and setting up of big industries as reason for change in climate and sprung of new diseases. He continued that human have now become selfish, thinking only for ourselves and no concern for our future generations.

Mentioning the theme of India's G20 Presidency “One Earth One Family One Future”, he stated that India has taken up various measures to conserve the nature and the environment. It is time for us to think of our future generation, he added.

The Chief Minister continued that the items which were distributed today might have less monetary value, however, it has much value considering its importance. He spoke on the importance of carrying out terrace cultivation instead of Jhum cultivation with technical support. He also informed that the State Government has started providing alternative crops for poppy planters adding that the State Government is aiming to achieve Green Manipur.

He expressed happiness to see that many societies had come up for Alternative Farming System in hill areas adding that it is the beginning for development of horticulture products and enhance the livelihood of the people of hill areas.

He appealed to the Farmers Society to carry plantation of crops systematically so that to get better yield and contribute to the development of economy. He assured that the State Government would provide necessary support to the society.

Stating on the importance of preserving the Loktak Lake, Shri N. Biren Singh informed that a team of Asian Development Bank is in the State and they are doing research on how to preserve the lake. He further cautioned that some NGOs operating under the foreign fundings are trying to disturb development works taking place in the state and added that the Government would not spare them.

Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Shri Letpao Haokip stated that the State had witnessed less production in hill areas and as such the Chief Minister had taken up various initiatives to promote horticulture products in hill areas. The State has been depending on other states for various household products. Proper plantation in hill region can substitute our import for necessary household products, he added.

He stressed the need to grow high value products and added that this could help in enhancing the earning of the people. He informed that training would be given in phase manner for cultivation of high value products. He appealed to the farmers society to use the distributed products suitably and work sincerely to make the State self-reliant.

Transport Minister Shri Khashim Vashum, MLA of Ukhrul AC Shri Ram Muivah, MLA of Singhat AC Shri Chinlunthang, Chief Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kumar and Additional Chief Secretary Shri P. Vaiphei, Deputy Commissioners, representatives of Farmer Producers Society also attended the programme.

The items distributed to the farmers society were 1 Grass cutter, 10 spades, 2 Shovels, 2 Pick-Axe, 5 Rakes, 5 bundles of Cocopeat, 50 pieces of Plug-tray, 5 plastic crates, 1 packet coriander, 3 packets of pea, 1 packet of bean, 1 packet of beans(long), 1 packet of Chia seeds and 1 packet of Wax Gourd.