Minister demands agricultural scientists for north east

Imphal, Jul 17 (UNI) Manipur Horticulture and Soil conservation minister Francis Ngajokpa has urged the Centre to depute more agricultural scientists in the north eastern states to increase food productivity.

Addressing the 77th annual general meeting of Indian Council of Agricultural Research society held here yesterday, Mr Francis said the state has been facing an acute shortage of scientists .

The farmers should be trained technically on post harvest, food processing technology, agri-horticulture and pisciculture, he said.

They should also be helped in agro based entreneurship development to boost trading activities with Myanmar and other Asian countries, he added.

The Minister said organic agriculture, particularly in Manipur and other hill areas, should be supported and the ICAR must function as the certifying agency for food products in the region.

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