Tuber crops could solve future food crisis in Manipur

Imphal/December 16, 2013: As per the current trend of global alteration of environment, crop yield after 20 years from now will be significantly reduced and hence we should prepare for an alternative arrangement to tackle food problem likely to be encountered in the future.

This was stated by Dr AK Bijaya, associate professor, CAU, Iroishemba during the one day awareness programme held on the topic “Tuber crops based farming system for sustainable production and income generation” at Khonghampat Awang Leikai today. The programme was also attended by Dr N Iboton, dean, CAU, Professor Dr N Ram Singh, head of economics department, CAU and retired advocate Th Sanajaoba, who is president of EFC Khonghampat as chief guest, guest of honour and functional president respectively.

Giving key-note address of the programme, Dr AK Bijaya, who is also CAU in-charge of All India coordinated Research project on Tuber crops, further stated that global population has been increasing by the day and on the contrary farming area is decreasing thereby reducing crop yield. “Amidst the scenario, the changing global environment phenomenon has also significantly affected agricultural productions and hence we need to change our current food habit”, Bijaya stated.

Locally available Tuber crops like Mangra, Pan, U-Mangra and Haa etc. which grow easily in any soil contain high carbohydrates and these crops could be a replacement for rice, Bijaya said and adds that these crops are not easily affected by changing atmosphere.

While stating that Tuber crops generally does not require much water or affects production, Bijaya further said the CAU has been conducting research on Tuber crop since the year 2006. Developed countries like Japan had already produced fuel out of Tuber crops apart from using the crop in production of daily essential items.

In his speech during the programme, Dr N Ram Singh said “If Tuber crops could replace one out of two meals daily, it could certainly help in developing out economy”. Some states in India had already started giving Tuber crop an item of Mid-Day Meal scheme and this could be followed in Manipur too, Ram Singh added.

In his speech, Dr N Iboton Singh, Dean College of Agriculture has regretted  that there has been no arrangement for providing yearlong irrigation facilities to 1.5 lakhs Paris of agricultural land in the state and added that agricultural cultivation in Manipur is entirely dependent on the blessings of the almighty.

While stating that it is not an easy task to provide enough food for state’s population of 30 lakhs, Iboton stressed the need to give more emphasis on sustainable agricultural production.

During the technical session of the programme, Dr. Kh Ibohal, assistant Professor, CAU delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Protection of Tuber crops from biotic crest” while subject matter specialist of the KVK Imphal East S Mosibala talked on the subject ‘Value added products of Tuber crops”. Dr Th Ranadhir of the CAU also spoke on the topic “Role of Tuber crops in successful management of piggery”.

Source: NAHAROLGI THOUDANG NEWS