Manipur CM pushes organic farming at State Krishi Mela 2026, launches MASOCA
Synopsis
Manipur has moved beyond rhetoric on organic farming — Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh launched MASOCA, signed a CAU certification deal, and distributed 57 tractors to 189 farmers at the State Krishi Mela 2026. With 400 hectares earmarked for organic produce and Sikkim cited as the blueprint, the state is building institutional scaffolding for a gradual but deliberate shift away from chemical fertilisers.
Key Takeaways
Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh addressed the State Krishi Mela 2026 in Imphal on 6 June 2026 , calling for greater adoption of organic fertilisers.
The Manipur Seed and Organic Certification Agency (MASOCA) was formally launched to oversee quality seed production and organic certification.
An MoA was signed between the Department of Agriculture and Central Agricultural University, Imphal for natural farming certification.
Around 400 hectares of agricultural land has been earmarked exclusively for organic produce cultivation.
57 tractors under the SMAM first phase were distributed to 189 beneficiaries at a total outlay of ₹432.13 lakh .
A magazine titled Farmers' Success Stories featuring 53 farmers was launched at the event.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday, 6 June 2026, called for a decisive shift toward organic fertilisers in the state's agricultural sector, framing the push as aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for sustainable and environmentally responsible farming. Singh made the remarks while addressing the State Krishi Mela 2026 in Imphal, an event organised around the theme 'Balanced Use of Fertilizer'.
Key Announcements at the Mela
The Chief Minister revealed that the Agriculture Department has been working to designate approximately 400 hectares of agricultural land exclusively for organic produce cultivation. He also urged farmers across the state to adopt double and triple-cropping practices to boost overall productivity and revenue, noting that agriculture remains one of Manipur's core economic pillars.
Singh formally launched the Manipur Seed and Organic Certification Agency (MASOCA), described as a significant institutional milestone for the Department of Agriculture. MASOCA is expected to anchor large-scale production and certification of quality seeds in the state. A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was also signed between the Department of Agriculture and Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, for natural farming certification — a step aimed at strengthening certification mechanisms statewide.
On Chemical Fertilisers and the Transition Path
Singh acknowledged that an abrupt discontinuation of chemical fertilisers is not immediately feasible, but stressed that gradual reduction must be a policy priority. He warned that excessive dependence on chemical inputs poses measurable risks to both human health and the environment. The Chief Minister also flagged concerns over urea distribution, stating he would personally intervene in cases of supply lapses to ensure availability to genuine beneficiaries.
The Mela's theme was applauded by Central Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Anupam Mishra, who said balanced fertilisation is essential for soil fertility, cost reduction, and mass crop production. 'Healthy soil is the foundation of farmers' prosperity,' Mishra said.
Sikkim as the Model
Drawing on a national precedent, Singh cited Sikkim — India's first fully organic farming state — as a template for what government-citizen cooperation can achieve. He indicated that Manipur's long-term agricultural roadmap looks to replicate elements of Sikkim's transition, though the state's own conditions and cropping patterns will shape the pace.
Machinery, Certificates, and Recognition
As part of the event, 57 tractors under the first phase of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) were distributed to 189 beneficiaries, with a total financial outlay of ₹432.13 lakh. The Chief Minister also launched a magazine titled Farmers' Success Stories, documenting the achievements of 53 farmers from across Manipur, and distributed Natural Farming (NF) Scope Certificates along with a range of natural farming products. State-level best farmers' award recipients were felicitated in recognition of their contributions to the sector.
With MASOCA now operational and the CAU partnership formalised, Manipur's organic farming push moves from aspiration to institutional footing — the next test will be whether certification infrastructure can keep pace with the scale the government envisions.
Point of View
As the CM's own urea distribution warning signals, remains unresolved. Citing Sikkim as a model is fair, but Sikkim's transition took over a decade and was built on a very different agrarian scale. Without a credible, time-bound reduction roadmap for chemical inputs, MASOCA risks becoming a certification body without enough certified farmers to serve.
NationPress
22 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MASOCA and why was it launched in Manipur?
MASOCA, the Manipur Seed and Organic Certification Agency, was launched by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the State Krishi Mela 2026 on 6 June 2026. It is designed to oversee large-scale production and certification of quality seeds and organic produce in the state, providing an institutional framework for Manipur's shift toward natural farming.
What is the State Krishi Mela 2026 and what was its theme?
The State Krishi Mela 2026 is an agricultural fair organised by the Manipur Department of Agriculture. This year's edition was held in Imphal under the theme 'Balanced Use of Fertilizer', aimed at promoting reduced dependence on chemical inputs and encouraging healthier soil practices.
How much land has Manipur set aside for organic farming?
According to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the Agriculture Department has been working to designate approximately 400 hectares of agricultural land exclusively for the production of organic products.
What was distributed to farmers at the Krishi Mela 2026?
At the event, 57 tractors under the first phase of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) were distributed to 189 beneficiaries at a total financial outlay of ₹432.13 lakh. Natural Farming Scope Certificates and natural farming products were also distributed, and state-level best farmers' award recipients were felicitated.
Why did the Manipur CM reference Sikkim in his speech?
Chief Minister Singh cited Sikkim — recognised as India's first fully organic farming state — as a model of successful government-citizen cooperation in achieving a complete transition to organic agriculture. He indicated Manipur's long-term agricultural policy draws lessons from Sikkim's approach, though the pace of transition will depend on local conditions.
