Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Agriculture Minister Th. Biswajit inaugurated two new organic outlets in Imphal as part of Phase 3 of the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) project.
During the inauguration of the organic outlet Ms. Nahakpam Foods and Beverages in Chingmeirong, Imphal East, Minister Biswajit highlighted the escalating impact of current societal challenges on the agriculture sector and underscored the need for proactive measures. He discussed the significance of the MOVCDNER initiative in enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting farmers.
Today’s event marked the opening of two new organic outlets, located in Sanjanthong and Chingmeirong, as part of Phase 3 of the MOVCDNER project. Minister Biswajit expressed satisfaction with the progress of the scheme, highlighting it as a major achievement for the Agriculture Department.
Minister Biswajit emphasized the importance of the MOVCDNER scheme in improving agricultural productivity and supporting farmers. He noted that advances in human life expectancy have led to increased uncertainty about future health, making it crucial to prioritize good health through initiatives like organic farming. To address this, numerous organic outlets have been established both within the state and across India. Under the MOVCDNER scheme, Manipur has seen considerable progress, including the establishment of 13 input delivery and custom hiring centers, each with an investment of ₹13 lakh, aimed at improving agricultural efficiency. Additionally, organic outlets have been set up in various districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Kakching.
Minister Biswajit further noted that the initiative also includes the establishment of 22 Collection, Aggregation, and Grading Units across districts such as Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Chandel, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Ukhrul. Additionally, seed storage facilities with an investment of ₹7.5 lakh have been established in Kakching and Bishnupur districts.
Minister Biswajit highlighted the ongoing efforts to address the evolving challenges faced by the agriculture sector and emphasized the importance of continued support and development in this critical area. He also addressed recent improvements in the distribution of urea fertilizers, noting that the department has streamlined the process to ensure adequate stock levels in godowns. With these enhancements, he assured that fertilizer availability would not be an issue in the future. He urged the general public not to be job seekers but to focus on becoming job creators rather than merely seeking employment.
The inauguration was attended MLA Thangjam Arunkumar of the Wangkhei assembly constituency, Rk Dinesh, Commissioner of the Agriculture Department, and Gojendro, Director of the Agriculture Department.
