Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday called for a gradual shift towards organic and balanced fertilization at the State Krishi Mela 2026 held at the City Convention Centre, Imphal. The event was organized under the theme “Balanced Use of Fertilizer” to promote healthy crops and healthy soils.
On arrival, the Chief Minister inspected stalls showcasing agricultural and horticultural products displayed at the mela.
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh stressed the need to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and promote organic alternatives, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. While acknowledging that chemical fertilizers cannot be eliminated overnight, he emphasized the importance of steadily minimizing their use due to their adverse effects on human health and the environment.
Citing Sikkim as India’s first fully organic farming state, he said its success was made possible through close cooperation between the government and farmers.
He informed that the Agriculture Department is working to earmark around 400 hectares of agricultural land exclusively for organic farming. He also urged farmers to adopt double and triple-cropping practices to enhance productivity, increase output, and boost incomes, noting that agriculture remains a key pillar of the state’s economy.
The Chief Minister said the government would closely monitor urea distribution to ensure it reaches genuine farmers, and assured that any lapses in the system would be personally addressed.
During the programme, Dr. Asem Sundari Devi, Co-founder and Director of Green Biotech Eco Solutions Pvt. Ltd., shared her experience on replacing chemical fertilizers with biofertilizers and highlighted the benefits of sustainable farming.
Vice-Chancellor of the Central Agricultural University, Dr. Anupam Mishra, lauded the department for selecting the theme of balanced fertilizer use. He said balanced fertilization is crucial for maintaining soil fertility, reducing cultivation costs, and ensuring higher productivity, adding that healthy soil is the foundation of farmers’ prosperity.
The Chief Minister launched a magazine titled _Farmers’ Success Stories_, featuring the achievements of 53 farmers from across the state. He also distributed Natural Farming (NF) Scope Certificates and launched a range of natural farming products.
A major highlight was the launch of the Manipur Seed and Organic Certification Agency (MASOCA), which will oversee the production and certification of quality seeds and organic products. The Department of Agriculture and the Central Agricultural University also signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for Natural Farming Certification to strengthen certification mechanisms in the state.
As part of the programme, agricultural machinery worth Rs 432.13 lakh was distributed to 189 beneficiaries under the first phase of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM). The machinery included tractors, mini rice mills, power tillers, power weeders, rice transplanters, rotavators, solar dryers, seeders, trailers, and water pumps.
Recipients of the State-Level Best Farmers Awards were felicitated for their contributions to the sector. In the Best Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) District Awards, Imphal East secured first prize, Imphal West second, while Chandel and Churachandpur jointly received third prize.
The event was organized by the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) under the Department of Agriculture. It was attended by MLAs Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh, Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei, Tongbram Robindro Singh, and Dr. Yumnam Radheshyam Singh, along with Commissioner Thaithuilung Pamei, Director of Agriculture Peter Salam, officials, scientists, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
