Manipur Chief Secretary RR Rashmi inaugurated the State Agriculture Fair 2018 for the farmers on Monday at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace compound in Imphal East.
The function was organised by Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur, sponsored by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, New Delhi. A total number of 42 stalls of various departments and Self Help Groups have been opened where agricultural products and agricultural implements are on display.
Speaking at the function as the Chief Guest, RR Rashmi said that the opening of the State Agriculture Fair, 2018 would boost and strengthen the agricultural products, use of technology know-how and skill development like soil health test for the farmers. During the Fair, the department officials could be asked about the know-how to use fertilizers to raise production in the agricultural sector.
He said that all departments had been trying for many years now to increase agricultural products and the Agriculture Department has become the largest provider of employment. The department has also made soil testing laboratory available for the farmers in the State.
Rashmi also thanked the organisers and all participants for having opportunity to interact and put up their products for display in the Fair. He also inspected the stalls along with the officials of Agriculture Department and interacted with them.
There are eight stalls from the Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Manipur; Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Manipur; Department of Fisheries, Manipur; Department of Sericulture , Manipur; ICAR for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, and Central Agriculture University, Imphal.
M/S Farmers Development Centre, Khurai, Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD), ATMA/DAO from Chandel, Senapati, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Imphal West, Tamenglong, Ukhrul , 7(seven) Self Help Groups, State Soil Testing Laboratory, Porompat and eight outdoor departments are also participating in the Fair.
The function was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Agriculture) Dr Suhel Akhtar, and Director of Agriculture, Manipur, Ph Rajendra Singh as the President and Guest of honour respectively. They emphasized on the improvement and development in the field of agriculture of the State. Farmers from different districts of the State also participated in Monday’s function. The Fair will continue till the March 1, 2018.