Manipur CM launches Direct Benefit Transfer for farmers

Our Correspondent

Imphal, May 5 (EMN): Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh on Thursday launched the Direct Benefit Transfer for 18,000 registered farmers under Horticulture department for Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Phase- III (2020-23).

There are altogether 25,000 farmers under Phase-III MOVCDNER, Manipur including 7000 farmers registered under Agriculture department and 18,000 farmers under Horticulture department.

Speaking at the function in Imphal, Biren Singh appreciated farmers turning towards organic farming. He urged them to focus on organic farming and support the government’s mission to convert Manipur into a total organic state within the next five years.

The chief minister pointed out the negative aspects of chemical fertilisers on our health and further stressed on the need to adopt organic farming, saying that it is in fact easy to prepare organic manure using kitchen waste and leaf debris.

He spoke sternly against illegal poppy plantations and warned the gathering that the present government will not spare anyone found involved in the drug business or poppy plantation.

The drug menace has strongly affected our society, he said, while reiterating that there will be no compromise on any drugs-related issue. He asserted that the present government will not remain silent anymore or succumb before the interest of few, who are affecting the future of the youth.

In an appeal to illegal poppy planters in the hills, he asked them to do away with poppy plantations and take up alternative livelihood.

He also said that he has appraised the Centre on the issue and highlighted that without proper rehabilitation, the issue has led to severe ecological imbalances, land erosion in the hills due to extensive use of chemical fertilisers, inability to save forest etc.

‘The government is ready with all assistance for alternative arrangement under any department and that it should be started from a district initially’.

 He stated that the NDPS Act has also been amended and steps are being taken to de-recognise villages found involved in poppy plantation.

A government constituted committee is there to identify the number of houses in a village and which villages are involved in poppy plantation, the chief minister informed, adding that if need arises Hill Area Committee or Revenue department or any other unit will be consulted.

Hinting at interference from certain organisations, Biren said that the elected representatives are here to govern the state and all 60 members are working for the future of Manipur.

Speaking on the need to be civil and think of our neighbours, he said, ‘Let us all live together in unity and face the challenges thrown at us, stating that actions will be taken against those who make provoking, communal comments.

Biren warned of action against illegal encroachers and said that the government will give one month’s time for them to testify. He also highlighted the government’s stand on corruption and said that government recruitments will only be merit-based. He therefore, urged the people to be part of the change, adding that the DBT system checks corruption and there is no harassment in the system.

In his speech, Horticulture minister, Letpao expressed the need to implement schemes which are more suitable to the state’s soil. He said that the department will have to take a pivotal role in the fight against poppy plantation as the government assured all possible help in providing alternative sustainable livelihood to stop the plantation in the hills.

Earlier delivering the key-note address, Additional Chief Secretary (Horticulture), Vaiphei said that the chief minister has taken strong initiative towards transparency and accountability, particularly in implementation of e-governance schemes and DBT transfer.

It may be mentioned that Direct Benefit Transfer of INR 11,250 for the components of assistance for on-farm and off-farm inputs production for first year was transferred to the individual registered farmer’s account. Another INR 3,750 will be transferred to the farmers in the next instalment.