Many notable figures from the entertainment industry are set to grace the grand finale of Femina Miss India 2023 slated to be held at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal on April 15. All the contestants of the 59th Femina Miss India contest arrived at Imphal.
59th Femina Miss India to roll out at Imphal on 15th April
Notably, this is the first time the event will be held in the entire North East. According to a statement, the glamourous evening will witness the attendance of many celebrated personalities. The star-studded night will feature performances by big names including Ananya Panday and Kartik Aaryan.
The show will be anchored by Manish Paul and Bhumi Pednekar. The pageant will feature the 30 State winners, who will be competing for the coveted title of Femina Miss India 2023. The winner of the pageant will represent India at the Miss World pageant.
The State winners will be walking the ramp in ensembles designed by renowned designers Rocky S and Namrata Joshipura.
A special show by Robert Naorem, featuring traditional costumes will aim to promote the textile, art and culture of the State. The 30 State winners will be judged by a panel consisting of Femina Miss India Universe 2002 and mentor Neha Dhupia, boxing icon Laishram Sarita Devi and designers Rocky S and Namrata Joshipura.
Some of the former and the reigning Miss India winners will also be putting up a dance performance through a fashion segment. Chief Minister N Biren Singh will also grace the event which is hosted by Manipur Tourism.
“Extending a hearty welcome to all the contestants of Femina Miss India to the Jewel of India, the Land of Culture, Manipur with the Grand Finale happening here, I hope you enjoy your stay and carry the message of goodwill, friendliness and warm hospitality of Manipur on your departure,” the Chief Minister said in a Facebook post.
It may be noted that India is among the few countries to have won six Miss World titles. The winners are Reita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra (2000) and Manushi Chhillar (2017).
A high-level meeting was convened today to work out a mechanism of regulating liquor in Manipur at the Chief Minister Secretariat. During the meeting chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, an expert committee on formulation of white paper on regulating liquor apprised the Cabinet Ministers about their findings and the growing need to implement an appropriate liquor policy through power point presentation.
As per the findings of the expert committee, some locally brewed liquors were found containing toxic chemicals while comparing with Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brought from other States. Through the PowerPoint presentation, the committee also showed that many habitual drinkers died of liver diseases in Manipur as majority of the local brewers don’t practice quality control.
Discusses on Liquor Policy
The attendees of the meeting also held discussion on health hazards and other negative impacts of consuming adulterated liquor, following which the expert committee tabled that the rate of deaths and infection by liver disease and other ailments caused by consuming adulterated liquor will decline considerably if the practice of selling and brewing liquor is regulated properly.
The committee went on to mention that the prohibition placed on liquor in Manipur is ineffective and as such it would be more productive to regulate it by fixing a legal drinking age and implementing alcohol law strictly. Saying that there is a misconception among a section of people that lifting prohibition will lead to more demand for alcohol in the State, the expert committee explained that regulating liquor will be better for the society as a whole.
Many students in the age group of 15 to 19 drink liquor habitually as per the findings, the committee explained to the Chief Minis- term and the Cabinet Ministers. The presentation concluded by observing that regulating liquor will be a better option than prohibiting it.
The expert committee, on the other hand, said that submission of an official report of their findings will take some time. After the meeting, the Chief Minister, in his Facebook post, said that the Government will share the findings of the expert committee to the public soon.
The State Government decided to partially lift the ban on brewing, consumption and sale of liquor to boost the State’s revenue as well as minimize health hazards caused by the consumption of illicit alcohol on September 21 last year.
Being a business owner might occasionally feel lonely. You can lose touch with other business owners, especially if you run a solo operation.
It’s crucial to maintain connections within the greater business community. This entails scheduling an hour-long appointment with business coaches or mentors every four weeks. In business, coaches can help you work through difficult decisions and find answers to challenges. It is quite advantageous for her to network on Facebook and Linkedin from the comfort of her home.
Find a business group you can join, and schedule meetings there. There, you can converse with one another and speak about issues and potential fixes.
Make major objectives into smaller ones. Set four-month, one-year, and three-year goals.
Becoming extremely specific with goals is the first step in creating a performance-driven organisation.
ASSIGN DUTY WHEN POSSIBLE
The Marks Group, a technology consulting firm, was founded in 1994 by Gene Marks and his father. According to Marks, “He was doing sales and I was doing service.” Then his father passed away. “When Dad went away, I took over and hired some new staff after realising I couldn’t do everything myself. I’ve discovered that hiring others to do your work can significantly increase your income.
MAINTAIN LOW OVERHEAD
Eight years ago, Marks realised he was idly paying rent on an office that cost close to $30,000 a year while his staff was out meeting with clients. Marks made his workers virtual in order to do away with the office in suburban Philadelphia. Along the way, he also abandoned computer servers in favour of the cloud and switched from the landline to an Internet-based phone that cost approximately $10 per month.
During the Great Recession, Marks found some comfort in lowering the overhead. When things go south, Marks says, “you can take a cut in revenue, so you don’t have to panic.” “We never lost money, even through the worst of the recession. You actually experience that peace of mind when you reduce overhead. You can set prices that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to if your overhead is modest.
IDENTIFY YOUR BEST NICHE AND REMAIN IN IT
You’re attempting too much too soon. Do you feel the urge to satisfy every client’s needs? Perhaps diversification is not always the best course of action. If you have something that works exceptionally well, it can be beneficial to reproduce the magic sometimes. That has been the effective tactic for
Marc Mathios, who along with his two brothers is the third generation to operate the 78-year-old family company, claims Ace Apparel.
Operators of parking garages are “one of the industry silos that we’re really good in,” according to Mathios. Because we produce our own line of jackets just for parking garage firms, parking garage operators choose to collaborate with us. In North America, we have replicated that accomplishment with 30 other parking garage operators.
REFRAIN AT ALL COSTS FROM DISTRACTIONS
A few years ago, Seattle-based AudienceBloom, which specialises in content marketing, was doing so well that its CEO and founder Jayson DeMers felt he could focus on a different startup that he was interested in. DeMers would later regret his choice.
“Running an organization ‘fine and dandy’ isn’t what a business visionary’s occupation is,” DeMers says. “Effective business people don’t do the base for their organization; they continually work to develop it, advance it, and set it up for what’s to come. Since I was parting my group between the two new businesses, development slowed down at my most memorable organization, and I needed more opportunity to devote to the new startup to make it effective.”
At last, the subsequent endeavor fizzled. Audience Bloom had the option to develop again once DeMers had the option to concentrate on it. “I discovered that an effective endeavor requires 100% consideration, concentration, and exertion. Optional endeavors need a full-time director or probably they’ll simply occupy you and wreck your current endeavors if you don’t watch out.”
A press release issued by MaolKeki Foundation has shared that Mangka will perform at three locations in Switzerland and two in France. The tour will also include a collaborative session with Enrico Lenzin, a well-known Swiss Alphorn player and Angela Sofia Sterzer, a Franco-German artist who teaches Manipuri dance in Paris.
According to the statement, this will mark the first collaboration between a Manipuri and a Swiss artist to create a unique form of music from the ‘Pena’, a single-stringed traditional Manipuri instrument, and the ‘Alphorn’, a traditional Swiss wind instrument.
Mangka, from Laihui Ensemble, will be accompanied by her father Mangangsana Mayanglambam, an artistic director at Laihui, who will provide musical and vocal support and Nirupa Sanjenbam, Head of Projects at MaolKeki Foundation, who will provide management support during the tour which is designed to raise awareness on Manipur and Manipuri arts and culture.
The highlights of the tour include a performance at the India Day Event in Riehen, Basel Stadt, Switzerland on April 15 and another at the Caveau du Café littéraire, Saint Louis, France on April 14, both of which are open to the public.
The tour has been organised with the support of various entities namely, the Government of Manipur, Manipur State Tourism Department, the European Manipuri Association, the Association of Friends of India Basel, Riehen Lebenskultur, Swisslos-Fonds Basel-Stadt, MaolKeki Foundation and BalmeticaTM: Swiss Made Physiotherapy Cream, the statement added.
Crafted the famous Black Pot of Ukhrul Photo courtesy Sukumar Haobam
“After my national award in 1990, the government have entrusted me to train the art of making Black Pot to my villagers. Now 200 to 300 people from my village have started making pots and they are earning for a living. Now our village has two more National award winners on the same art. My youngest son is running a pottery shop at Vasant Kunj, since 2005. The powdered raw materials from Nungbi, Ukhrul is sent off to Delhi and groups of skilled potter who are five to six in number make the Black pot and other designs which is a big demand in the National Capital. Shop owners use to buy in bulks. The sale range from 200 to 500 pieces in one buys and the price is good. My 33 year old son is doing good business promoting the black pot and meeting the demands of the ever increasing buyers” says Machihan Sasa the two times National Awardee including the grand Shilp Guru recognition.
Sasa has 3 sons and 1 daughter. Eldest get state award, 2nd get district award last one in Delhi got an award for black pot making. Machihan Sasa held from Nungbi (Longpi) Kajui, Ukhrul District. He learned the art of making Black Pot which basically is the ‘coiled technique’ of pottery craft, from his father who was a potter by profession.
Sasa was born in 10th April, 1950. In 1970, he started helping his father in pot making. Among 3 brothers and four sisters Sasa and his younger brother are making pot. His younger brother was trained by him. Sasa was not interested in school. So he joined his father. His Friends use to tease him passing comments like “young potter – don’t you feel shy’’. Sasa started his career in pottery at the age of 20.
In 1979 he started receiving awards at the district level. His first prize was worth 25 Paisa. He got the recognition from a fair. Next years, if you have new design you will get prize was the assurance the district fair committee of Ukhrul gave him and he started making new designs where he got acclamation. Sasa started getting grants under various schemes. The grants he got was Rs 5/10/20 thousands. Sasa have attended more than 80 fairs including international meets since 1979. He uses to get first and second prize in the fairs. Now there are more people working on Black Pottery. And the product is being used widely out of popularity and promotion. The credit goes to Sasa. “High profile people come to meet you, government is giving you aid. You are doing the best thing, we will also follow your path’’ was the ultimate words from his once teaser friends.
After my National Award people seek training from me. By then government encouraged trainee with a stipend of Rs.250 under the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, New Delhi. The first batch of 25 people was trained in 1990. Next year 20 more people and it went for around six consecutive years. Number of potters in my village and beyond was increasing in number. Every household makes their own they are expertise in the field now’’ says the well-built strong man Sasa with a smile. Uyan (cooking utensil) or Hamphai in his mother tongue Tangkhul language is the best choice of the people.
Lison stone is the name of raw material stone. It is black stone – Black serpentine rock which is found in Kapungrum, Ukhrul. Soil is salanali found near river Sala village of Ukhrul. Sala village has no inhabitants. Raw material – Four kilometer of rock. Soil we get from river bank. “We powdered the stone and filter the finest particle. The perfect proportion is 3 kg of stone and 2 kg of soil. We mixed the powdered stone and soil with water in a quantity not less and not more to make a paste similar to the flour paste in Puri making. Time consumption depends on the shape, size and design. It gets complete in half an hour or one hour. Polishing is done with green bamboo stick and then the pot is exposed to fire’’ explained Sasa. On longevity he says it depends on how one use it. Uyan (cooking utensil) lasts for 10 to 12 years. If we drop then it breaks.
An individual can make 5 to 6 hampai a day. Next day it is polish for shinning. And after 2 /3 days it is treated with fire flames.
Soothing and uplifting; the message, aura, rhythm, and mood of a distinct kind of poetry so special. This is the atmosphere created by the charming couple, PrassenjitLahiri and Akanksha Tyagi whenever they get the chance to thrill an audience, especially their signature Ehsaas Ka Safar concerts in various parts of the country.
Emotions are brought to life by the masterstrokes of Akanksha, as she weaves her way into the hearts of her audience, taking them on a journey of love.
By her flank is her equally talented husband, the musical maestro. His magical and intoxicating baritone can lead the troubled mind into a hyper-realistic world. But even deeper is the message; of love gained, lost, and found again; of emotions deep and sincere; of nostalgia and pristine thoughts. Their choice of ghazals stems from the fact that they are able to touch and heal every heart, as well as provoke very strong emotions from everyone of all ages.
Making magic with ghazals and shayari
The very name “ghazal” means “flirtation”, implying not only the lovestruck poet expressing desire, love/ devotion and longing for another but also a certain light-heartedness, which in the ghazal is usually expressed in wordplay. However, ghazal as a poetic form tends to express much more than mere flirtation, alluding to powerful emotions and desires as well, often erotic, intense, or even religious in its quest for the beloved, who is often impassive or out of reach. Despite its roots in Arabia, the ghazal has a universal appeal. It has been a growing culture among a special class of poets for many years. With expertise, flair and dexterity, the duo of Prassenjit and Akanksha has assumed a class of their own in composing and rendering ghazals, shayari, and other associated art forms. As they always say, every show reflects their personalities.
“Our roles have never been set in stone. Our performances are always a reflection of who we are, in our personal lives. We are two extraordinary individuals and, together, we make a great team, with strong companionship, exposed to the greatness of feeling every emotion really deeply. And that is what gets conveyed on stage, whether we’re singing or reciting poetry,” says Prassenjit. Their combination of different poetic forms also makes them one of the most dynamic duos in the world of poetry.
Every poetry song or recital is the result of careful planning by the creative couple. Writing begins with nostalgia and the thought of a feeling or emotion. “In Urdu, we say Maazi-Parasti, which means nostalgia. It begins with the memory of an emotion, which then turns into a couplet. Then it takes the shape of a ghazal or nazm, depending on its flow, just like a river or a brook. And then comes the magic of melody,” explains Akanksha. As powerful as the words are, the couple also pays a lot of attention to the rhythm.
Keeping the ghazal culture alive
Prassenjit and Akanksha have, in recent times, become the new ambassadors and champions of ghazals, shayari, nazm, and related forms. From listening to icons like Mehdi Hassan, Jagjit Singh, JaunEliya, SahirLudhianvi, Ahmad Farz, Nida Fazli, Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Noor Jahan, and Jagjit Singh, to performing major concerts at iconic venues like the National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Mumbai; Bangalore International Centre, Bangalore; and India International Centre, Delhi, Jashn-e-Rekhta festival in New Delhi, this wonderful duo has come of age. Last year, their incredible performance at Jashn-e-Rekhta — the world’s largest Urdu language literary festival — won thousands of hearts. They believe these art forms remain relevant even today.
“Today, ghazals are being recited, sung, and passed on through social media and reels — the 8-second magic of virality. Thus, relevance is not the question, the question that befalls us is how do we make ghazals more enjoyable, pleasurable, and adept with newer forms of writing styles and melody, whilst keeping the sanctity of language and writing intact,” they say. The goal is to consistently offer exciting and inspiring poetry to diverse audiences while pursuing their dreams.
There’s no better way to put their feelings than in the words provided by the duo; “In 2021 we were just two dreamers, and today we are two dreamers who can’t really believe their dreams are coming through. It’s difficult to put the feeling into words. But we are thankful and grateful for the opportunities presented to us. Our aim now is to take Ehsaas Ka Safar to more cities in India, and also to different countries, across continents.”
One day at a time, this is becoming their reality, while they continually bless poetry lovers with unique sounds and messages.
Keeping northeastern part of the country as one of its focus areas, Indian Railways has decided to operate “North East Discovery: Beyond Guwahati”. This unique trip will facilitate tourists to travel the length and breadth of northeast with by Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist train.
Indian Railways takes tourists on a special northeast Indian journey
By James Khangenbam 2 April 2023 Imphal:
The Railways Ministry stated that the train will cover Guwahati, Sivasagar, Jorhat & Kaziranga in Assam, Unakoti, Agartala and Udaipur in Tripura, Dimapur & Kohima in Nagaland and Shillong and Cherapunji in Meghalaya in15 days tour.
Spanning over 14 nights and 15 days, the trip will cover states including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya. The tour will start from Delhi (DSJ) and then proceed to Guwahati – Naharlagun -Sibsagar Town – Furkating – Kumarghat – Agartala – Dimapur – Guwahati.
“Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train launch is in line with the Government of India initiatives “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat” and “Dekho Apna Desh” to promote domestic tourism. At a price range starting from Rs.1,06,990/- per person in AC 2 Tier, Rs.1,31,990/- per person for AC 1 (Cabin) and Rs.1,49,290/- Per Person for AC 1 (Coupe), the IRCTC tourist train will be a 15 days all-inclusive tour package and the price will cover train journey in respective class, night stay at AC hotels, all meals (VEG ONLY), all transfer & sight-seeing in buses, travel insurance and services of guide etc. All necessary health precautionary measures will be taken care of and IRCTC will make efforts to provide a safe and memorable experience to the guests,” the ministry stated.
The Deluxe AC Tourist Train is equipped with various luxurious features, including two fine dining restaurants, a contemporary kitchen, shower cubicles in coaches, sensor-based washroom functions, foot massagers, and a minilibrary. The fully air-conditioned train provides two types of accommodation, AC I, and AC II. The train also has enhanced security features, such as CCTV cameras, electronic safes, and dedicated security guards appointed for each coach, reported Newson Air.
The first stop of the train is Guwahati, where tourists will visit Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Temple, and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra River. The train will then depart for Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, from the Naharlagun Railway Station.
Further, the itinerary includes a visit to Sivasagar, the old capital of the Ahom Kingdom, Jorhat’s tea gardens, and an overnight stay at Kaziranga followed by an early morning jungle safari at Kaziranga National Park.
The train will then depart from the Furkating Railway Station for the state of Tripura, where tourists will visit famous heritage sites such as Unakoti, Agartala, the famous Ujjayanta Palace, and the Neermahal palace and Tripura Sundari mandir at Udaipur.
Post-Tripura, the train departs to Dimapur for visiting the state of Nagaland. From Dimapur station, tourists shall be taken to Kohima by buses for visiting the local sites, including a tour of the Khonoma village to experience the Naga way of life.
The next halt for the tourist train will be Guwahati, and tourists will be taken to Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, by road, with a pit stop at the majestic Umium Lake en route. The next day starts with an excursion to Cherrapunji nestled in the East Khasi Hills. Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Nawkhalikai falls, and Mawsmai caves are a part of the day’s sightseeing.
Apparently by and by the Focal Leading body of Direct Assessments (CBDT) has stretched out the last date to connect Extremely durable Record Number (Skillet) with Aadhaar to June 30, 2023.
Last Date To Connection Skillet Card With Aadhaar Expanded
Broadening The Date Of Connecting Skillet With Aadhaar
In such manner, CBDT said, “to give an additional opportunity to the citizens, the date for connecting Skillet and Aadhaar has been reached out to 30th June 2023, by which people can imply their Aadhaar to the endorsed expert for Aadhaar-Container connecting without confronting repercussions,” during a public statement delivered on Walk 28, 2023.
With this declaration, CBDT has stretched out the cutoff time to connect Dish with Aadhaar for the fifth time on Tuesday.
CBDT further added, “Notice with this impact is being given independently,”.
It said, “Under the arrangements of the Annual expense Act, 1961(the ‘Act’) each individual who has been designated a Skillet as of first July 2017 and is qualified to get an Aadhaar Number, is expected to insinuate his Aadhaar to the endorsed expert prior to 31st Walk 2023, on installment of a recommended charge,”.
It is important here that the inability to do so will draw in specific repercussions under the Demonstration w.e.f. first April 2023.
Further, CBDT said, “The date for suggesting Aadhaar to the recommended expert to interface Container and Aadhaar has now been stretched out to 30th June 2023,”.
“From first July 2023, the Skillet of citizens who have neglected to suggest their Aadhaar, as required, will become out of commission,” CBDT said.
Assuming you are pondering the outcomes during the period that Dish stays broken, it is right here.
No discount will be made against such Dish Interest won’t be payable on such discount for the period during which Container stays out of commission TDS and TCS will be deducted/gathered at the higher rate, as turned out in the Revenue charge Act, 1961. If it’s not too much trouble, note here that assuming your Container becomes defective, people need to suffer an ostensible consequence of Rs 1,000 to interface it with Aadhaar.
CBDT said, “The Skillet can be made usable again in 30, endless supply of Aadhaar to the recommended power after installment of expense of Rs 1,000,”.
To The responsible party in question?
Remarkably, Aadhaar-Skillet connecting isn’t relevant to these four classes.
Inhabitants of the provinces of Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, and Meghalaya.
Non-inhabitant Indians (NRIs) according to the Personal assessment Act, 1961.
Any individual who was of the age 80 years or more whenever during the earlier year.
People who are not residents of India.
In this way, people who fall in any of the above classes, don’t need to connect their Skillet with their Aadhaar by the cutoff time.
In any case, assuming they are willing, they can willfully connect the two records.
Up until this point, north of 51 crore Skillet have previously been connected with Aadhaar to date, as per CBDT.
Manipur hosts hero tri nation international football tournament Pic Source Social Media
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has said that it is indeed very fortunate for the State to host the Hero Tri-Nation International Football Tournament. It is also a moment of pride that the National team has around 5-6 players from the small State, the Chief Minister added. N. Biren Singh was addressing the inaugural function of the tournament at the Main Stadium, Khuman Lampak on 23rd March.
The tournament is participated by Myanmar , Kyrgyz Republic and host nation India. India, ranked 106 in FIFA Rankings for men’s teams, Myanmar 159 and Kyrgyz Republic 94. The Hero Tri-Nation International Football Tournament 2023 matches is telecasted live on Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD.
Expressing gratitude to the All-India Football Federation, the Chief Minister said the AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey and his team is indeed appreciable for acknowledging the potential of Manipuri players and the State’s love of football and giving the State an opportunity to host this tri-nation football tournament.
The Chief Minister also said that the Youth Affairs and Sports department along with AMFA and other stakeholders is also working towards promoting football and other sports in the State. N. Biren Singh also highlighted that during the visit of the AIFF president at the closing match of the ongoing tournament, the State will sign an MoU with the AIFF for logistics and other support in setting up of a Football academy to develop and promote the sports in the State. The Chief Minister also appealed to the people of the State to attend the matches and to show discipline and decency during the tournament.
The opening session of the tournament was highlighted by a performance from drummers of Rhythm of Manipur and other cultural performances. The Indian National team faced Myanmar in the opener of the Hero Tri Nation International Football Tournament. The Blue Tigers will face Kyrgyztan at the same venue on March 28.
The inaugural function was attended by YAS Minister Shri Konthoujam Govindas, MLAs, former Union Minister and Padmashree Awardee Shri Thounaojam Chaoba Singh among others. Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh also greeted the players before the historic game at the Main Stadium.
Despite bad weather with rain clouds hovering at the sky the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium looked full with official attendance recorded to be around 30 thousand. The historic match ended with the host nation winning by a goal.
Manipur hosts hero tri nation international football tournament
Manipur hosts an international conference on Natural farming !
Governor Anusuiya Uikey while inaugurating an international conference on “Natural farming for Revitalizing Environment and Resilient Agriculture” at the auditorium of Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal few days back said that nowadays people are very cautious about their health and the food they eat daily, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic. She said, keeping in view of the ill-effects, people are avoiding inorganic foods and all are talking about organic foods which are free from fertilizers and pesticides.
Therefore, large scale adoption of natural farming processes will be the best option to cater to the needs of people, she said. The Governor continued that modern agriculture has increased the rate of food production and made the country self-sufficient but at the same time the people are facing many problems.
By using fertilizers and pesticides, soil degradation and environmental pollution have been aggravated. Keeping in view such situations, NITI Aayog organized a National consultation in which Indian natural farming system was discussed. Indian Council of Agricultural Research constituted a committee to develop natural farming courses and materials at UG and PG level, she said. Vice Chancellor of CAU, Imphal, Dr Anupam Mishra was appointed as Member Secretary, she added.
Anusuiya said, to promote natural farming in the country schemes like National Agriculture Development Scheme and Indian Natural farming System have been introduced and a total of Rs 4980.99 lakh was released. The Government has set a target of helping one crore farmers to adopt natural farming in the next three years, she added.
The Governor expressed confidence that deliberations in the convention would make way for positive steps which will help in developing natural farming not only in India but also in many countries across the world. The Governor also opened an exhibition on natural farming produces of innovative farmers from Manipur and other North Eastern States during the conference.
Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal, Dr PS Pandey, Vice-Chancellor, RLBCAU, Pusa, Bihar, Dr Indira Sarangthem, Dean, College of Agriculture, CAU, delegates from within and outside the country and students attended the conference. Delegates from Bangladesh, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, England and US participated in eight technical sessions during the three-day conference organised by Central Agricultural University, Iroisemba, Imphal.
Dr RK Ranjan, MOS, External Affairs and Education highlighted the importance of natural farming adding that it should be a part of UG/PG programme and lauded CAU’s efforts in this regard. He stated that as per the Union Budget 2023-24, the Government has set a target to transform one crore farmers to natural farming within the next three years. The Central Government is also aiming to provide subsidy to set up 10,000 bio-input resource centres across different corners of India, he said. He added that schemes such as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Bhartiya Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) Yojana were launched in the country to raise consciousness of natural farming.
On the occasion, Dr Indira Sarangthem, Dean, College of Agriculture, CAU shared that altogether 153 research papers were presented during the three-day international conference where eight technical sessions were organised. Many notable personalities participated in the conference including vice chancellors of various Agricultural Universities and past and present Director of ICAR Research Institute. ICAR/KVKs, State Development Departments, College of Agriculture Iroisemba, CAU Imphal, NGO etc set up stalls and exhibited various natural farm products during the international conference.
