IMPHAL, January 9: The All Manipur Progressive Farmers’ Association (AMPFA) has demanded the State Government to implement the Agricultural Produce Marketing Act at the earliest for the welfare of farmers marking the 19th foundation day celebration today at EEMA Hall, Keisampat.
Speaking during the occasion, Nongleima Haobam, AMPFA president stated that a memorandum had been submitted to the Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh in 2014 to implement the act but no positive outcomes has seen till date.
The act had been implemented years back in other parts of the country, she said and added that if the Agricultural Produce Marketing Act implement in Manipur there will be a separate market for the farmers along with cold storage to preserve various items.
She lamented that the government has failed to give proper attention towards the plight of the farmers and no welfare or facilities schemes have been taken up.
Although the government has been claiming that many welfare schemes are in place, in reality the schemes does not reach the deserving farmers and instead were deprived by close acquaintance of MLAs, Ministers or high ranking officers, she alleged.
President, Apunba Loumi Lup, Thoubal, Keisam Jayenta said that the farmers in the state continue to bear the brunt of corrupt officials. They are deprived of their rights, mentally harassed in the process to claim their rights, alleged Jayenta.
Keisam Jayenta said that the government must institutionalise insurance policy for crops to ensure that farmers do not suffers in times of natural calamities.
He appealed to all the farmers of the State to unite in-order to take up various steps for the welfare of their future and children.