United Committee Manipur (UCM) president Joychandra Konthoujam on Monday called for making Manipur self-sustained through concerted efforts from both the hills and the valley.
Joychandra was speaking during the one-day farmers training programme on rejuvenation of farm economy through afforestation and distribution of Rabi crops.
The programme was jointly organised by the UCM and the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) under District Agriculture Office, Ukhrul at community hall of Kangpat Khullen, Kamjong district.
He vowed to mount pressure on the government to facilitate the availability of welfare schemes benefits for farmers in the hills and border areas so that they can also work towards increasing food production and self-sufficiency.
Manipur will be able to take big steps towards development only after both hills and valleys are equally developed, he added.
He further emphasised on the need to make Manipur self sustained, and exhorted the people to make collective efforts for achieving the target.
He noted that various benefits of welfare schemes for agriculture and horticulture do not reach the interior regions and border areas.
“The government must ensure that the people in these places are benefitted and seeds are being made available to the farmers timely,” he added.UCM also distributed Rabi crops, potato and maize seedlings and seeds to 3 villages as part of the programme.
Headman of Kangpat Khullen Joshua Chithung, Nambisha village secretary Shangnaopang Shintuidan, Skipe village headman C. Zingshongam Kashu among others were present during the occasion.
Ramung Horam and Lungsem Luirem of Ukhrul DAO spoke as resource persons.
