Imphal, July 2 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday said that the use of biofertilisers to promote total organic farming is one of the key components of the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, emphasising that sustainable agricultural practices are essential for ensuring healthier people and a healthier environment.

The Chief Minister made the remarks while inaugurating a Bioreactor Unit for Biofertiliser Production at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Branch Laboratory, at Lamphelpat in Imphal.

Addressing the gathering, Singh said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has launched several schemes and programmes across different sectors to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. He said that the adoption of biofertilisers in agriculture would significantly contribute to building a healthier India by promoting sustainable farming practices.

The Chief Minister cautioned that the excessive use of chemical fertilisers is not only harmful to human health but also adversely affects soil fertility and long-term agricultural productivity. He stressed the need to encourage farmers to adopt eco-friendly alternatives to ensure sustainable agricultural development.

Highlighting Sikkim’s achievements in the field of organic farming, Singh said that Sikkim was declared India’s first fully organic state in 2016 and has successfully maintained its organic status since then. He noted that Manipur has also made steady progress in this direction, with around 400 hectares of agricultural land already brought under organic cultivation.

He further informed that another 400 hectares would soon be brought under organic farming, adding that the state Agriculture Department is working diligently to achieve the target and expand the scope of organic agriculture across Manipur.

Referring to the distribution of bioreactor units, the Chief Minister urged the beneficiaries to utilise the facilities effectively and work sincerely to ensure that biofertilisers produced through the units reach farmers and consumers across the state.

He expressed confidence that the collective efforts of the government, scientific institutions and farmers would help realise the vision of transforming Manipur into a fully organic state.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. V.M. Tiwari, Director of CSIR–North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, said that CSIR has been contributing to society through scientific research for several decades and has played a significant role in promoting innovation and technological advancement. He said that the organisation has also made substantial contributions towards skill development programmes, adding that the CSIR Mission has been implemented effectively in Manipur during the last seven to eight years, benefiting various sectors, including agriculture.

As part of the programme, the Chief Minister also planted an avocado (Persea americana Mill.) sapling under the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, which promotes environmental conservation through tree plantation.

The event also witnessed the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between CSIR-NEIST and two Manipur-based incubates — Sagolsem Nimaichand Singh, General Secretary of the Farmers Based Organisation (FBO), and Ningombam Arunkumar Singh of M/s Global Bio Solutions, Thangal Bazar, Imphal — to promote biofertiliser production and related scientific initiatives in the state.

The inaugural programme was attended by scientists, officials and staff of CSIR–North East Institute of Science and Technology, farmers and other stakeholders associated with the agriculture and scientific research sectors.

–IANS

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