The All Manipur Youth Protection Committee (AMYPC) has appealed to the authority concerned to formulate the short and long term agricultural policy so as to increase the agricultural productivity and prevent food crisis in the state which may occur in future due to the pandemic.
A release by AMYPC stated that Manipur being one of the poor and dependent states, most of the major requirements are brought from other states. Considering the severity of the ongoing pandemic, most of the states in India have imposed lockdown. Consequently, the state may face a food crisis if the lockdown continues for a longer period.
To prevent such consequences, the state government should focus on increasing agricultural productivity while being concerned about combating the dreaded coronavirus, it added.
It further stated that the state government should make proper arrangements to avail subsidised fertilisers to farmers at the right time. The government should also consider in advance about what steps to be taken if any drought or flood like situation occurs that may damage the agricultural produce in the state.
As the state is facing a tough time due to consistent surge in COVID-19 cases, various steps are being taken up which is highly appreciated. However, at the same time, the state cannot ignore the worsening condition of the economy and other impacts driven by the pandemic, the release said.
AMYPC appealed to the authorities concerned to take up feasible ways and means to prevent any kind of eventuality of food crisis and poverty that may be impacted by the pandemic.
