IMPHAL, Nov 20 - The first-ever exclusive Organic Outlet in North East under Mission Organic Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCDNER) scheme was formally opened at Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation here on Monday.
Inaugurating the outlet, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar said the Organic Outlet will help in promoting a healthy lifestyle among the citizens.
Expressing the need to promote organic farmers, he advised the department to conduct awareness and training programmes for them. He urged the department to welcome and cooperate with the farmers and called upon citizens to encourage the organic farmers. There are around 5,000 organic farmers registered under Manipur Organic Mission Agency.
Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture, Dr Suhel Akhtar said the mission cannot go forward unless there is huge demand for organic products and there is a need to increase the yield. He also said the farmers of Sikkim, the first organic State in the country, are facing problems as the input cost is more compared to the sale price.
Dr Akhtar said educating people is necessary regarding the benefits of the organic products, so that the farmers can go about it and can be compensated.