Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Friday, Oct 04, 2002
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Friday, Oct 04, 2002 |
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Agri-Biz & Commodities
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Environment Manipur lays stress on eco-friendly farming Jayanta Mallick
KOLKATA, Oct. 3 MANIPUR, one of the eight north-eastern States, has adopted a unique development strategy which will encourage only eco-friendly agricultural practices and pollution-free industry. "The State has decided not to depend on agro-chemicals that will create a chain of pollution, affecting soil, water and air,'' Mr Thekho, Manipur Minister for soil conservation and horticulture, told Business Line here. "Manipur does not want to promote factories and industries which have a harmful impact on plants and human beings. This is despite the fact that the State is having resource constraints and competitive pressures for faster growth,'' he said. The State's emphasis on environment protection stems from the fact that the entire North-East has been identified as the mega bio-diversity spot in terms of its rich reserve of flora and fauna, Mr Thekho pointed out. With a population of 23 million and spread over 22,327 sq km, Manipur has varied agro-climatic zones ranging from tropical to temperate. Nine-tenths of the geographical area is hilly, that is, not conducive to satisfactory foodgrains production. As a result, Manipur has accorded priority to horticulture and agro-industries for growth and employment generation. Mr Thekho claimed that the State produces one of the finest varieties of pineapples, shiitake mushrooms, passion fruit, mentha, orchids, and medicinal plants. "We are also looking for private investors in the area of tea planting, and vegetable processing,'' the Minister said. The National Horticulture Board has identified 2.77 lakh hectares exclusively for horticulture development in the State. The State decided to encourage organic farming/ horticulture in the development area as organic products fetch a premium in the international market. Since 2001-2002, Manipur has been carrying out a horticulture technology mission, which has yielded an output growth of around 5 per cent, Mr Thekho observed. Manipur has proposed the setting up of two agri exports zones - one for organic products and the other for passion fruit - in collaboration with Agriculture Processed Food Exports Development Authority. If sanctioned, the proposed projects would lay the foundation for organised infrastructure relating to export of horticulture items from the State.
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