Media interaction on conservation of soil held

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 5

A one day open media interaction programme was held today as a part of the world soil day at the Manipur press club under the theme “caring for the planet starts from the groups”.

The programme was organised by the Manipur organic mission agency, green foundation in collaboration with the All Manipur working Journalist union (AMWJU).

Speaking during the event, former director of MACS, Dr. Pramodkumar, has expressed his concern over the trend of excessive use of chemical fertilisers in agriculture and horticulture sectors to meet the ever growing demands as a result of growing population.

According to him, most of the foods items today are contaminated with high level of pesticides to the extent that it has become health hazards to every individual.

The life spans of a human today are considerably short when compared to individuals who were born 30 years ago, he asserted.

Moreover, several diseases associated with dermatological, gastrointestinal and non-alcoholic fatty livers, cancer including damage the DNA structure have become a common thing today, he continued.

Nevertheless, he lauded the handful of farmers who have for started the revolution of organic farming and understanding its importance.

Pramodkumar was speaking as the resource persons on the subject “Use of chemical in agricultural foods and modern way of life-A public health perspective”.

Editor, Hueiyen Lanpao, N. Hemanta lamented, speaking on the topic “Importance of organic farming and its absence in local newspapers and news channel” urged the concerned NGO’s in the field to start a campaign to put a stop the use of chemical fertilisers and broadcasting adds that encourages use of chemical fertilisers.

International agricultural consultant, Hitoshi Yokota from Japan talked on the topic “ways of land preparation for soil health improvement” and highlighted the ways to make fertile soil using organic manure. He has been working in India to promote organic farming.

Renowned nutritionist, Dr. Ksh. Bimolata, U. Himmat of green foundation, scientist Dr. V. Pandey, project officer, MOMA, K. Devdutta Sharma attended as the resource persons.