An important initiative to enhance economic development in the State was marked with the inauguration of the newly constructed office building of the Project Officer (EP) at Training-cum-Production Centre, Sirhima, Chümoukedima District under the Department of Industries and Commerce, Govt. of Nagaland. The new office building was inaugurated by P. Tokugha Sema, Director of Industries and Commerce, in the presence of Officials from the Directorate, Project Officer and staffs of the Training-cum-Production Centre, Village elders including Gaon Buras (GBs), Chairman and representatives from the Sirhima Village Council, Pastor of the Sirhima Village Baptist Church, and well-wishers from the local community on 29th May 2025.
In his keynote address, the Director commended the efforts of the Training-cum-Production Centre staffs and encouraged them to re-dedicate themselves to achieving higher standards of excellence. He emphasized the importance of scaling up citronella and lemon grass cultivation, the key economic plants in the region, urging the centre to intensify its efforts toward increasing yields and productions.
Highlighting the unique advantage that Nagaland holds in cultivating naturally organic citronella and lemon grass, the Director noted that the quality of locally produced citronella and lemon grass surpasses that of many commercial variants available in the market. He also pointed out its rising global demand and the potential for Nagaland to tap into the international essential oils market, thereby boosting rural income and sustainable livelihoods.
He further urged the community to take collective responsibility in protecting and preserving Government infrastructure and assets, emphasizing that such developments are for the benefit of the entire State and the region.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Temjenrenla Longchar, Assistant Director (EP), who welcomed all dignitaries and attendees. A dedicatory prayer was led by Lhunlam Thomsong, Pastor of the Sirhima Village Baptist Church, invoking blessings for the new facility and its intended purpose. Onthang Hoakip, Chairman of the Sirhima Village Council, delivered a brief but heartfelt speech, expressing the community’s gratitude for the department’s establishment and commitment to supporting its future activities. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Nukeulemla Longchar, Superintendent (EP), who acknowledged the contributions of the Department, the village community, and all stakeholders who made the project and the day’s event a success.
(DIPR)
