IMPHAL: Manipur on Thursday strengthened its push towards sustainable agriculture with the inauguration of a bioreactor unit for bio-fertilizer production at the CSIR-NEIST complex in Imphal, a facility expected to promote natural farming and support eco-friendly cultivation across the state.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who inaugurated the unit, said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to encouraging natural farming while facilitating technology transfer to strengthen local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Inaugurated the Bioreactor Unit for Bio-Fertilizer Production & Farmers' Meet at CSIR-NEIST, Lamphelpat, and participated in the #EkPedMaaKeNaam plantation drive.
Inspired by Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji's vision of #ViksitBharat2047, this initiative will strengthen organic… pic.twitter.com/cYoFxa3wT3
- Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh)
He said the new facility would contribute to the conservation of indigenous bio-resources and create opportunities for skill development among the state's youth.
As part of the transition towards sustainable farming, the Agriculture Department, in collaboration with Green Biotech Ecosolution Private Limited, will supply bio-fertilizers to 225 sangams of paddy fields across the state.
The programme will cover 150 sangams in Imphal East district, 50 in Imphal West and 25 in Thoubal district. Farmers in these areas will adopt a cultivation model using chemical and bio-fertilizers in a 75:25 ratio.
The chief minister also said that during the current monsoon season, the state government distributed 93,472 bags of neem-coated urea at a subsidised price of Rs 270 per bag through a special campaign conducted at 54 locations across all 16 districts.
To ensure uninterrupted support for cultivators in areas affected by law and order disturbances, special distribution camps were organised in several fringe locations to provide farmers with neem-coated urea and paddy seeds.
The initiative forms part of the state's broader strategy to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, promote sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen the rural economy through environmentally friendly farming methods.