A two-day media sensitisation programme on ‘Horticulture Schemes’ commenced at the Manipur Press Club, coinciding with the golden jubilee celebration of the All Manipur Journalists’ Union or AMWJU. Facilitated by the Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, the event showcased the remarkable progress of organic farming in the State, catalysed by the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region or MOVCDNER since its inception in 2016.
Addressing the audience as the chief guest, Manipur Government Horticulture and Soil Conservation director K Debadutta Sharma accentuated the significance of promoting organic farming to diminish dependence on chemical-based agricultural methods across the State.
Debadutta Sharma disclosed that the Manipur Organic Mission Agency or MOMA, a departmental agency, has been instrumental in driving forward organic farming through the implementation of MOVCDNER. Before the scheme’s initiation, there were merely around 385 registered organic farmers. However, that figure has now surged to approximately 37,900. Nonetheless, Sharma stressed the necessity for sustained efforts to further expand organic farming.
Acknowledging the media’s pivotal role, Sharma remarked, “Without the media, our efforts would not have borne fruit. It is solely through the media that awareness about MOVCDNER has spread.”
Pointing towards regional disparities, Sharma mentioned the use of chemical and synthetic fertilizers is comparatively lower in hill areas than in the valley region. Consequently, the government has placed increased emphasis on promoting organic farming in hill areas.
