Imphal: Paying homage to journalist Khelen Thokchom on his 63rd Birth Anniversary, Khelen Thokchom (KT) Media fellow Taorem Biswajit Singh said the agricultural land in the state has been reduced due to constructions of buildings and industrial establishments in paddy fields.
According to 2021-22 report of Agriculture department, the agricultural land in Manipur was 1,95,000 hectares. As per the statistics of Land Use and Land Cover in Manipur, the agricultural rate was 1,81,690 hectares in 2017-19, providing the actual agricultural land, said Biswajit, who has special experience in reporting on Agriculture.
Khelen Thokchom Trust (KTT) on Friday observed 63rd Birth Anniversary of Khelen Thokchom at his Tera residence in Imphal West.
Members of KTT, family members and relatives, members of local Meirabi Paibi body and members of Youths’ Forum, Tera Toangbram Leikai took part in the observation.
Floral tribute was paid to the standing portrait of Khelen Thokchom.
Khelen passed away on April 1, 2018. During his tenure as journalist, he served The Telegraph as Special Correspondent.
Irengbam Arun, who is KTT advisor, addressing the gathering, retold the special dedication of Khelen in his contribution to the society through his writings on newspapers and magazines. He appealed the journalists fraternity to report through investigation.
Biswajit, Khelen Thokchom Media Fellow (2022-23), Biswajit recalled his associations and guidance of Khelen in reporting.
He was hounoured with a warm reception for his reports on “Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture in Manipur’s Limited Paddy Land Resources” under Khelen Thokchom Media Fellowship.
He suggested multiple cropping in the state against wasting of time in farming while waiting for next paddy season.
General Secretary, KTT, Sobhapati Samom, said Khelen Thokchom Media Fellowship was instituted to follow the path of Khelen Thokchom and accelerate young reporters in reporting based on research.
The day was observed in a simple manner due to present condition of Manipur.
The gathering observed a minute’s silence praying the Almighty for Atom Smarendra’s safety. Samarendra is a member of KKT, who went missing since May 6, during the Manipur crisis that erupted on May 3.
Awarding of this year’s (2023-24) Khelen Thokchom Media Fellowship has been cancelled and it will be suspended until Samarendra is found, Arun said.
The observation was organised by Khelen Thokchom Trust, Manipur.
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