Demand for effective implementation of Manipur Conservation of Paddy and Wetland Act 2014

Although agriculture is the mainstay of the state, farmers are facing several issues which resulted out of environment degradation, impact of climate change and impact of several new policies in the state.

ByIFP Bureau

Updated 9 Dec 2020, 8:01 am

Photo: IFP_Guihiamliu
Photo: IFP_Guihiamliu

Concerning the decreasing areas of paddies and wetlands in the state, Irabot Foundation Manipur president Thongam Ajit on Tuesday appealed to the state government to implement Manipur Conservation of Paddy and Wetland Act 2014 effectively in the state.

Ajit was speaking at the ‘2nd Loumeesing gi Poinu Meepham’ (post harvest farmers’ meet) organised by the Irabot Foundation Manipur at Manipur Press Club on Tuesday.

Ajit said that though agriculture is the mainstay of the state, farmers are facing several issues which resulted out of environment degradation, impact of climate change and impact of various developmental works introduced in the state. Despite facing so many challenges, they are still trying their best to prevent everyone from hunger by producing various crops, he said.

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The state governments need to focus on this issue sincerely, otherwise the future generation may face starvation due to lack of adequate arable lands, he said.

Ajit also said, wetlands are no more visible nowadays as an impact of environmental degradation. As such, frequent floods are occurring in urban areas even after a momentary rainfall and farmlands remain dry throughout the year. This has become a major challenge to farmers in doing agricultural practices, he added.

The state government had constructed dams with an objective to provide proper irrigation systems but this has led to damaging of many farmlands. As such, the government should analyse the pros and cons of dam construction, he added.

Appealing to the state government to provide scientific knowledge of agricultural practices to farmers, he said that agricultural practices keep on evolving. The state government should provide such changing methods and keep them updated of the latest trends, he said.

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Ajit also said, to make the state become self-reliant in agricultural practices, it must provide collective effort from every section of the society. The people should also encourage farmers wherever possible as the economy of the state largely depends on this sector, he added. 

As a part of the programme, a discussion on “The Roles of Agripreneurs in Reshaping the Economy Post-Pandemic” was also held.

Other dignitaries namely senior associate professor, Chinglen Maisnam and senior principal scientist, CSIR-Manipur, H Birkumar Singh also attended the function. Seven outstanding farmers in different fields were felicitated.

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Tags:

farmersagriculturewetlandsPaddyIrabot foundation

IFP Bureau

IFP Bureau

IMPHAL, Manipur

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