IMPHAL, February 5: Despite the huge demand for the U-morok all over the world, its production in the State continue to remain stagnant, said College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal Dean Dr JM Laishram.
Speaking in the inaugural function of a workshop on production of chillies in low cost polyhouse, Dr Laishram said the demand for the chilli is only increasing on a daily basis, however, its production has remained the same over the years.
The workshop held at the CAU conference hall was organised by the Precious Farming Development Centre, College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal.
Dr Laishram said farmers in the State are unable to earn much and at times even fail to meet their basic household maintenance cost.
He said farmers in the hill also face the problem of land ownership which is a major hindrance in extensive farming.
The dean said there is a need to maximise agriculture and horticulture production in the State.
He lauded the organisers of the workshop and said such workshop will help educate the farmers on how to enhance their chilli production under low cost polyhouse.
Although the production of U-Morok is less as compared to the demands, we are still exporting 40 percent of the production outside the State, he said.
U-morok has today become a major ingredient of the food habit of Manipur and there is a need to increase its production, he said.
CAU is planning to install a machine to extract the u-morok’s essence, he added.
He further opined that the need of the hour is to provide awareness of the modern technology and scientific plantation to the farmers to improve production.
Horticulture and Soil Conservation commissioner T Pamei who attended the function as the chief guest said this kind of initiative will be very helpful to the farmers of the State.
He said farmers will gain more knowledge during the workshop which will help them to improve their productivity and income.
It will also be more productive if the participants could also share their knowledge and feedback with the others during the workshops, he added.
If the workshop proves to be successful, than such workshops will be conducted with more frequency, he observed.
The commissioner further stressed on the need to produce more organic vegetables and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.
He said organic food products are more in demand in the developed countries.
Joint director ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Dr N Prakash and Director of Research, CAU Dr CA Srinivasamurthy were also present as guests of honour during the inaugural function.