Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 02 2023: While informing the assembly about the successful plantation of saffron plant in Ukhrul district, horticulture and soil conservation minister Letpao Haokip appealed to people of both hills and valley areas of the state to grow saffron plant.

Minister Letpao made the appeal in the House while giving his clarification to the policy cut motion raised by Opposition MLA Th Lokeshwar When the demand for grant of horticulture & soil conservation was moved for discussion and consideration on Thursday's sitting of the ongoing assembly session.

Raising the motion, MLA Lokeshwar sought information on system of seed distribution and steps taken to produce fruits on large scale in the state.

In his clarification, minister Letpao said that he is happy on learning report of successful plantation of saffron in Ukhrul district and this plant could also be planted successfully ih valley area of the state.

Saffron is anti-oxidant and commands high price which the farmers should take advantage of, he said, adding that preparation for blue berry plantation in the state have also started.

According to minister Letpao Haokip, farmers of Manipur are compelled to take up poppy plantation as they could no longer raise their children by selling conventional crops.

Due to emergence of poppy issue, horticulture department is able to take major role in afforestation efforts and chief minister N Biren too has given directive for focussing more on horticultural plants.

In response to Lokeshwar's call for setting up nursery gardens for fruit saplings in all districts by the horticulture department', the minister clarified that horticulture department does not set up nursery garden but provides saplings to farmers on demand.

The department currently has cherry, mango and apple saplings and preparations are being made to procure saplings of high value plants which have never been planted in the state before.