A high level task force has been formed to enhance the agriculture and horticulture activities besides uplifting the economy of Manipur after the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.
This was disclosed by the state chief minister N Biren Singh while speaking to officials and residents on the sideline of inspecting the decades old Loktak Lift Irrigation (LLI) project in Bishnupur district on Monday.
He said the agriculture and allied sector will be one of the main professions to help uplifting the economy after the lockdown.
He stressed that proper irrigation systems and support of farmers and concerned officials of goverment departments, the State should strive for self sufficiency in food production through multiple cropping of indigenous foodgrains.
There is an apprehension that the country particularly the State might face shortage of food grains and subsequently it may affect the country’s economy in coming years in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing nationwide lockdown.
So the re-establishment of the LLI project is one way of moving forward for enhancing the agricultural and horticultural activities of the farming community in the State for self sufficiency in food grain production post COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, he said.
He added the necessary renovation works of the cannels of LLI will be taken by sanctioning a sum of Rs 47 crores.
Water resources minister Letpao Haokip who also holds the youth affairs and sports department portfolio also spoke on the occasion.
Loktak Development Authority chairman L Susindro, Manipur Pollution Control Board chairman L Radhakishore, MLA H Dingo and officials of state Water Resources department officials besides the residents of the area were present during N Biren’s inspection visit at LLI sit at Ningthoukhong, 35 km south of Imphal.
On May 5, the chief minister had chaired a review meeting of the Task Force of Agriculture and Horticulture departments and discussed on bringing another green revolution in the State through multiple cropping.