A 50-hectare Agri-Model Farm has been inaugurated at Ngairangbam’s Tanoukhul in Imphal West with the objective of promoting scientific and systematic farming practices. The initiative is a joint effort of AMPFA, LOUSAL, KaPFA, LALLUP and LOYALUP, supported by the Department of Agriculture, CAU Imphal, ICAR–Manipur Centre, the Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, and KVK Imphal West.
Speaking as Guest of Honour, Director of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, K. Devadutta Sharma, said the newly launched model farm will initially function as a demonstration unit before being developed into a full-fledged commercial farm. Citing the successful model farm at Heirok, he expressed confidence that the Ngairangbam project would achieve similar results. He added that Farmer Producer Organisations, in collaboration with the agriculture and horticulture departments, are working to establish a value chain system that will benefit the region. Around 500–600 farmers are expected to be involved in the initiative.
Devadutta highlighted the farm’s potential and stressed the importance of conserving existing water bodies for use during the dry season. He said timely planning is crucial, as government assistance is extended only when scientifically prepared proposals are submitted. Proper land use planning, even with limited acreage, will help achieve long-term sustainability, he said.
He emphasised the need for soil testing and encouraged farmers to make use of soil health cards to understand land conditions. With proper intervention, farmlands that have remained unproductive for years can be revived, he added. Devadutta also underlined the need for mechanisation, noting that labour shortages continue to pose a challenge. Community farming under cluster-based models would help strengthen farm mechanisation and improve access to markets, he said.
He further informed that the Horticulture Department is preparing to introduce a new scientific scheme and urged farmers to consult district officers for technical support.
Delivering the Chief Guest’s address, Director of Agriculture, Peter Salam, said various agriculture and horticulture crops will be cultivated at the model farm. He noted that cropping activities will begin in February–March and double cropping will be encouraged, given the availability of irrigation facilities in the area.
The department will support farmers with quality seeds, high-yielding varieties and adequate fertilisers to promote double cropping, he said. Farmers should first focus on essential household crop requirements and then select the second crop accordingly. He highlighted ICAR’s introduction of RC Mani Chakhao-1, a high-quality rice variety suitable for local conditions.
Peter said the seeds distributed by the department are sourced from the National Seed Corporation. Within the next two to three years, Manipur is expected to produce its own high-quality seeds. Any rice variety yielding one tonne per hectare is considered viable, he said, adding that farmers should not fall prey to misinformation about seed quality.
He also pointed out that timely farming operations are essential. Modern machinery has significantly improved agricultural efficiency, and farmers must use appropriate equipment to achieve better results. He urged farmers to remain prepared, noting that agriculture is closely tied to seasonal timing.
The launch of the model farm is expected to boost scientific farming practices, improve productivity and strengthen the agricultural value chain in Imphal West.