Converting Manipur into a pure organic state within five years for sustainable livelihood and health is the mission of the state government, Chief Minister N Biren said on Thursday.
Biren was dcelivering his speech during the launching of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) amounting to Rs 28,12,50,000 to 18,000 farmers registered under Horticulture Department for Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Phase- III (2020-23).
The function was held at the chief minister’s secretariat in Imphal West.
Lauding the farmers for adopting organic farming methods which is a great initiative for health concerns, the chief minister apprised the farmers to increase the productivity by increasing the areas of farming.
Urging all farmers to focus on organic farming and support the government’s mission in converting Manipur into a pure organic state within the next five years, Biren said, "Larger quantum of funds for organic farming will be released in 2023".
Explaining that organic fertiliser can be created by all in their respective home, using kitchen waste and fallen leaves, as it is an easy process of decomposition, Biren expressed hope of witnessing an increase in the number of farmers, production and areas covered under the scheme by 2023.
Concerning illicit poppy plantation and drug menace in the state, the chief minister warned, “Anyone including ministers, officers, village chief and headman found involved in such dreadful practice will not be spared during my regime.”
The same will also apply to those illegal land encroachers in the reserve forest area, he said, asking all those who have been a part of those illegal activities to immediately retreat.
Regarding the poppy farmers, he said the government is ready to provide investment for alternative livelihood.
Biren directed Horticulture Minister Letpao Haokip to select a specific district and start issuing investment for alternative livelihood family-wise.
In regard to some provoking statements from the civil bodies interfering in the activities of the state government, the chief minister said, “We are there to work for the welfare of the state and its people. We will not tolerate any communal or challenging tone.”
“The present government will not succumb in the interest of a few sections of the people who will affect the future of the state as we are truly a people’s mandate government,” he added.
Coming to the DBT system, Biren said such will be a big initiative to hinder corruption as there will be no opportunity for a third party involved in transferring the fund.
Pointing out that the corruption in government’s job recruitment is one of the major factors of downfall in the smooth functioning of the government, Biren assured that every government job will be recruited on merit basis.
Asking the people of the state to have the concept of giving bribes to the officials in any job recruitment, the chief minister said, “If no one gives bribes there will be no corruption in job recruitment”.
The function was also attended by additional chief secretary P Vaiphei, officials of Horticulture and Soil Conservation department and Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) among others.
