Imphal, June 30: A conglomerate consisting of fifty farmers each from the cluster systems of Imphal East District, Imphal West District, Bishnupur District and Thoubal District have been formed on Wednesday, 29 June 2016. The farmers group named Seed Produce Farmers Organisation Manipur (SPOM) aims to produce healthy and economical seeds suitable to the soil and climatic conditions of the state with the first lot of produce from the organisation to be paddy saplings to be distributed to the farmers of the state. A press release of the newly formed body states that the state agriculture department have already purchased seeds produces from these member clusters thereby providing financial incentives to various farmers and appealed to the department to continue purchasing seeds produced by the member clusters under a long-term policy, adding that a written communiqué has also been submitted to the authorities. The release further disclosed that an exhibition is on the anvil that will display and provide information on the various indigenous rice varieties such as Phourel Amubi, Moirang Phou, Kumbi Phou, Taothabi, Tumai Angouba, Phoudum, Chakhao (black rice) etc. mentioning the need for the seeds and other farming requirements to be made available through proper channel such as farmers themselves or the cluster system in time instead of the politicized channel of NGOs, social workers, politicians, MLAs or ministers. The Managing Committee of SPOM are: President- Ningombam Ibotombi Singh of Shantipur. Vice-President- Md Abdul Hasim of Keibung. General Secretary- Soram Lokendro of Haoreibi. Treasurer- Chongtham Shanta Singh of Sagoltongba. Pheiroijam Lupajao Singh of Takyel, Heisnam Rajen Singh of Wangoo and Oinam Oken Singh of Wangoo Shandugkhong as Executive members.
Farmers group SPOM established, appeals for timely and efficient supply of essential materials to farmers
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