Dr R Elithung Lotha, Director of Horticulture speaking on the SOPs to be followed by horticulture farmers at Hopongky Memorial Hall, Kiphire town. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kiphire | May 6
With the government exempting agricultural activities from the purview of the COVID-19 lockdown, Dr R Elithung Lotha, Director of Horticulture gave a seminar on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for horti farmers to follow.
The seminar was held at Hopongky Memorial Hall attended by farmers and Church leaders.
Lotha said that the department is reaching out to districts to encourage horti farmers to grow more, produce more and earn more during this sowing season.
On the SOPs to be followed, he informed that the farmers, including members, should follow the guidelines on COVID-19 issued by central as well as state governments. At the same time farmers should not bring labourers from other places or villages but employ the service of those available within the jurisdiction.
On social distancing, he stated that activities which are usually carried out in clusters must be restricted and carried out in a phase wise manner. He also encouraged farmers to adopt staggering lunch/tea breaks.
The Director expressed concern that the pandemic is affecting crop cultivation and food supply chain in the State as well as the nation, thereby threatening food security.
We are blessed with natural resources as our land is fertile with abundant rain and favourable climate which is suitable for any type of crop, he stated and encouraged farmers to produce more crops in order to reduce the State’s dependency on imports.
He added that change in food habits is driving up the demands for horticulture crops and as such horticulture enterprise in the form of value addition, processing, packing, storage and transportation can create ample opportunity for income and employment generation.
A talk on horticulture farming was also delivered by Bupon Phom, Deputy Director and Elias Ezung District Horticulture Officer, Kiphire which was followed by interactive session.
