Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the State Krishi Mela 2026 under the theme “Balanced Use of Fertilizer” with the objective of promoting balanced fertilization for healthy crops and healthy soils at the City Convention Centre, Imphal, today.
Upon his arrival at the venue, the Chief Minister inspected the stalls which displayed agricultural and horticultural products in connection with the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh stated that, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, greater emphasis should be placed on the use of organic fertilizers in place of chemical fertilizers, which are hazardous to human health. He added that the theme of the programme also underscores the need to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in farming that their usage cannot be discontinued immediately and that efforts are required to gradually minimise dependence on the chemical fertilizers.
He noted that Sikkim, recognized as the country’s first total organic farming State, achieved this milestone through close cooperation between the government and its people.
The Chief Minister informed that the Agriculture Department has been making efforts to provide around 400 hectares of agricultural land exclusively for the production of organic products. He also appealed to farmers to adopt double and triple-cropping farming practices to enhance agricultural productivity in the State. Such measures, he said, would not only increase overall production but also contribute to higher revenue generation, as agriculture remains one of the key sectors of the State’s economy.
The Chief Minister also informed that the distribution of urea fertilizer would be checked whether it is available to the public or not. He further stated that the matter related to lapses in the distribution would be intervened personally if required.
As part of the programme, experiences were shared by Dr. Asem Sundari Devi, Co-founder and Director, Green Biotech Eco Solutions Pvt. Ltd, on the replacement of chemical fertilizers by Biofertilizer.
Vice Chancellor, Central Agricultural University (CAU) Dr. Anupam Mishra lauded the Agriculture Department, Manipur, for selecting the theme “Balanced Use of Fertilizer” balanced fertilization for healthy crops and healthy soils. Balanced use of fertilizers is essential for maintaining the soil fertility, reducing the cultivation cost and ensuring mass crop production. Healthy soil is the foundation of the farmers prosperity, he added.
During the programme, the Chief Minister launched a magazine titled Farmers’ Success Stories, featuring the achievements and experiences of 53 farmers from across the State. He also distributed Natural Farming (NF) Scope Certificates and formally launched a range of Natural Farming products.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister officially launched the Manipur Seed and Organic Certification Agency (MASOCA), marking a significant milestone for the Department of Agriculture, Manipur. The agency is expected to play a crucial role in the large-scale production and certification of quality seeds in the State.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was also signed between the Department of Agriculture and the Central Agricultural University for Natural Farming Certification, aimed at strengthening certification mechanisms and promoting natural farming practices.
As part of the programme, agricultural machinery under the first phase of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) was distributed to 189 beneficiaries, with a total financial outlay of Rs. 432.13 lakh. The machinery distributed included 57 tractors, 5 boilers/steamers/driers, 7 chaff cutters, 2 cleaner-cum-graders, 14 extractors, 4 units of farm machinery (up to Rs. 28.50 lakh each), 23 mini rice mills, 4 paddy threshers, 5 post-hole diggers, 4 power tillers, 4 power weeders, 3 rice transplanters, 10 rotavators (8 ft), 14 round balers (up to 16 kg per bale), 6 solar dryers, 6 SP crop reapers, 7 super seeders, 10 trailers/trolleys, 4 water pumps, 2 leveller blades and 2 power knapsack sprayers.
Khemchand Singh felicitated the recipients of the State-Level Best Farmers Awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the agricultural sector. He also distributed the Best Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) District Awards, with Imphal East District securing the first prize and Imphal West District winning the second prize. The third prize was jointly awarded to Chandel and Churachandpur districts.
The programme organised by the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) Department of Agriculture, Manipur was attended by Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh, Lamsang AC, Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh, Konthoujam AC, Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei, Keirao AC, Tongbram Robindro Singh, Thanga AC, Dr. Yumnam Radheshyam Singh, Hiyanglam AC, Commissioner, Thaithuilung Pamei, Director (Agriculture) Peter Salam, the department officials, farmers, scientist, and entrepreneur among others.