Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday, 2 July inaugurated a Bioreactor Unit for Biofertiliser Production at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST) Branch Laboratory in Lamphelpat, Imphal, calling biofertilisers a cornerstone of the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision. The Chief Minister stressed that sustainable agricultural practices are indispensable for both public health and long-term environmental stability.

Key Developments at the Inauguration

The event marked the formal launch of the bioreactor unit, designed to scale up biofertiliser production in the state. As part of the programme, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between CSIR-NEIST and two Manipur-based incubates — Sagolsem Nimaichand Singh, General Secretary of the Farmers Based Organisation (FBO), and Ningombam Arunkumar Singh of M/s Global Bio Solutions, Thangal Bazar, Imphal — to advance biofertiliser production and related scientific initiatives. Chief Minister Singh also planted an avocado (Persea americana Mill.) sapling under the nationwide 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' tree-plantation campaign.

What the Chief Minister Said

Singh underscored that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has rolled out multiple schemes across sectors to realise the Viksit Bharat@2047 goal. He cautioned that the excessive use of chemical fertilisers damages not only human health but also depletes soil fertility and undermines long-term agricultural productivity, urging farmers to shift to eco-friendly alternatives.

Highlighting a regional benchmark, Singh pointed to Sikkim, which was declared India's first fully organic state in 2016 and has maintained that status since. He noted that Manipur has already brought approximately 400 hectares of agricultural land under organic cultivation, with another 400 hectares slated for inclusion soon. The state Agriculture Department, he said, is actively working to expand the scope of organic farming across Manipur.

CSIR's Role and Scientific Contribution

Prof. V.M. Tiwari, Director of CSIR–North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, said the organisation has contributed to society through scientific research for several decades, playing a significant role in innovation and skill development. He noted that the CSIR Mission has been implemented effectively in Manipur over the past seven to eight years, benefiting multiple sectors including agriculture.

Broader Context and What's Next

Manipur's organic farming push fits into a larger national narrative of reducing chemical dependency in agriculture — a concern that has intensified as soil degradation and input costs squeeze farmer incomes across India. This is not the first institutional step in the state's organic transition, but the CSIR-NEIST bioreactor unit adds a scientific production backbone that earlier policy announcements lacked.

With the MoUs now signed and bioreactor units being distributed to beneficiaries, the Chief Minister urged recipients to ensure that the biofertilisers produced reach farmers and consumers across the state. The collective momentum of government, scientific institutions, and farmer organisations, Singh said, will be key to Manipur's ambition of becoming a fully organic state.