Agricultural development

During the territorial days most of the state plan expenditures were focused to infrastructural development. For agriculture and allied activities only 0.52% were earmarked which worked out to the tune of 1.7% against the total plan expenditures. During the two decades between 1950s and 1970s the basic parameters of modernization in agriculture were introduced. In the 2nd plan the Japanese Method of paddy cultivation was introduced in about 3700 acres. Use of chemical fertilizers, improved tools and implements and plant protection inputs were also introduced. Experimental farms-cum-demonstration farm and orchards were established at Maram, Tengnoupal, Nungba, Thanlon,Tinsong,Jiribam and Phungyan-Pheisat. The Fruit preservation Factory, soil Testing Laboratory and Basic Agriculture School, now Gram Sevak Training Centre. Iroisemba came into existence. Soil Conservation work was taken up in 2400 acres during the same plan, In the third plan Rice Research Centre Wangbal, Seed Multiplication farm Chakpikarong and Thoubal and a soil conservation demonstration farm at Kangpokpi were established.
The introductory, demonstrative and qualitative nature of investment in agriculture in the pre statehood days therefore did not have immediate and significant impact on agricultural development in the state. On the other hand the population growth rates of 3.5 pc and 3.7 pc per annum during those two decades had greatly increased pressure on land.