Taking another step forward towards ensuring development in the State of Nagaland, Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, GoI, Ramdas Athawale laid the foundation stone for Naga Mandi Project at Seithekema - A near EAC headquarter, Chumoukedima on 6th September, 2024, in the presence of Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, MLA & Advisor, Mhathung Yanthan, and other officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, GoI, Ramdas Athawale, said that for the interest and benefit of Nagaland, he has come all the way to give a helping hand and believe that people of Nagaland will also come forward for the success of this project. He mentioned that, without agriculture there is no meaning to our life, agriculture is the best brand that gives opportunity for revenue generation. He said, Nagas have a good nature, good culture and rich resources and keeping in mind this interest, he has taken the initiative to collaborate with the State of Nagaland. He hoped that farmers will greatly benefit from this project and boost the economy of the State.
Addressing the gathering, MLA & Advisor Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, stated that this initiative marks a significant milestone for the people of Nagaland especially for the Agriculture sector and farming community. This very initiative is a step for a progressive state, he added.
He mentioned that Nagaland has a great potential blessed with favourable climate and soil conditions and have agro climatic zones which can grow different types of crops. However, despite great potential the state faces challenges like climate change, climate variations, lack of infrastructure and market infrastructure which is not well organised but hoping that with this initiative it will address our challenges.
In conclusion, he pointed that to make this project successful it requires a collaborative effort of all to run profitable as per the objective and for the purpose for which this initiative is taken up. He assured the investor that the GoN will give logistics support to make this project successful and urged all to support to see that this initiative becomes a success.
MLA & Chairman, DPDB Tseminyu, Nagaland and Mentor, RAF LLP, Ar. Jwenga Seb in his address stated that this project is a transformative platform designed to empower farmers and also to alleviate the agriculture sector of Nagaland. He pointed out that the Naga Mandi will not only facilitate the sale of their organic products but will also ensure that they receive fair prices for their hard work. He is optimistic that with this initiative, it will witness a significant shift in the mindset of farmers, where they will no longer fear the uncertainties of market in their product but they will be empowered to focus on what they can do best in growing high quality organic crops and reflect the richness of our land.
He added that this initiative is not merely about production but fostering a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits our farmers, communities and economy. Further, encouraged the investor to invest not only in the agriculture sector but also in other sectors that will contribute in the holistic development of our economy.
Earlier the program was chaired by Joint Director, Department of Agriculture, Ketsukha Kath. Welcome address by Director, RAF, LLP, Anogsen Seb. Naga Mandi Concept was presented by Managing Director, RAF LLP, Abhijith Sahoo, while Khutso Sisters presented a Folk song.
(Tovikali, IA, Chumoukedima)
