IMPHAL, March 3: Agriculture Minister, Md Nasir, today informed the house that a comprehensive Agriculture policy of the entire country is required to revolutionise organic farming in the state.
The Minister stated this while responding cut motion moved by the opposition bench during the 10th session of the ongoing assembly.
According to Nasir, Manipur produced about 5 lakh Metric ton of agricultural product from 1.72 lakh hac. area of agricultural land against the total requirement of over 5.89 lakh. Most of the arable land is in valley area which only is 10 percent of the total geographical area of the state.
Adding to this woes, the valley districts are constantly ravaged by natural calamities like flood, said Nasir.
However, with the advancement of modern technology inorganic farming has increased at a substantial rate considering the productivity.
Given the circumstances, it would not be any easy task to frame a policy by the state alone and do away with the system in the near future, said Nasir before suggesting of a comprehensive policy for the entire country.
He said that despite knowing the fact that use of fertiliser not only harm the fertility of the land but also is hazardous to health, the department is unable to ban the sales and use of fertilizers.
Nevertheless, he said that the department is encouraging bio organic farming through Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) and NAMSA, by imparting training in various levels.
Moving his motion the Dr I Ibohalbi, said that the department has failed to take up sufficient measures to popularise the organic farming so as to protect the health of the people of Manipur from ill effect of fertilisers, pesticides etc.
Moreover, he said that consumption of agriculture product grown using fertilizers and other chemical has increase the rate of cancer in the state.
The Minister who also holds the portfolio of Fishery, admitting the use of fertilizers by farmers assured to take preventive measures.
