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Our Correspondent
Imphal, June 8 (EMN): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated a Plant Health Clinic at the Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation in Imphal on Monday. A mobile soil testing laboratory van was also launched during the event.
Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board S Rajen, principal secretary (Horticulture) P Vaiphei, Director (Horticulture) N Joymati Devi, Director (Agriculture) Laltanpuii Vanchhong, Director (Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Services) Dr. H Chaoba and others attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh said that the economic growth of the state lies in the growth of sectors like agriculture, horticulture and MSME.
Lauding the officials of the Horticulture department, he said that it is indeed an encouraging initiative taken up by the department to set up such plant clinic which would provide plant health diagnostic services to farmers. He advised the officials of the department to conduct awareness campaigns about such clinic among the farmers.
Maintaining that in this hour of the Covid-19 pandemic, the state government has decided to give more emphasis on agriculture and horticulture sectors in the state, he informed that in this regard, the state government has formed a task force to boost the horticulture and agriculture sectors. He mentioned that the priority of the government is to make Manipur a self sufficient and self reliant region. The government has taken up all the necessary steps in this regard, he added.
Singh informed that most of the indigenous crops and fruits are disappearing due to the lack of scientific research and practices. We should try to avoid the usage of chemical fertilisers during cultivation of crops, he added. He hinted that many unknown diseases might have occurred due to the usage of toxic chemicals and fertilisers.
Mentioning about the Covid-19 cases in the state, Singh said that we have to learn to live with the virus. He appealed to the people to wear face masks, hand sanitisers and maintain social distancing.
Strongly condemning the act of the inmates residing at Waikhom Mani Girls College quarantine centre, Thoubal for vandalising college properties yesterday, Singh asked the parents of the inmates of quarantine centres to advise their wards to maintain discipline, co-operation and adhere to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the government.
He said that in such short period, more than 35,000 natives have been returned to the state. He sought the cooperation and support of the people in the fight against dreaded disease.