Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) Nagaland, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS visited Boke-Botsa under Chiephobozou Sub-division on 7th November, 2020 for spot verification of Naga Model Integrated Settled Farming (N-ISF). He was accompanied by HoDs, Officers of Directorate and District Offices from Agriculture, Horticulture, Land Resources, Fisheries, Soil Conservation, Water Resources, Veterinary and also Project Director, GIS. The Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, K.D. Vizo was also a part of the entourage.
During interaction with Botsa village elders, farmers and the officers accompanying him, the APC stated the purpose of the visit is to improve existing traditional farming to a sustainable farming. While stressing that although the traditional methods of jhum and terrace cultivation, which may not be economically viable nor ecologically sustainable, cannot be stopped as it is being practiced since time immemorial. He stated that looking at the present situation of the world, there could be food pandemic sooner or later and hence, the need to prepare for self-sufficiency where Integrated Settle Farming is of utmost importance. The APC and the team also visited various fields and sites to get first-hand knowledge for taking up various initiatives.
Keeping this in mind, the APC said that Integrated Settled Farming should be undertaken in all feasible areas so that various activities under agri and allied departments can be taken up in clusters approach. Wherein, fisheries, piggery, duckery, poultry, etc along with terrace paddy cultivation, intercropping with various crops, vegetables and fruits etc and ensure productivity throughout the year. This would encourage educated unemployed youth and retired employees to go back to rural areas for undertaking settled farming by utilization the land to its fullest potential for production in a sustainable manner. These clusters will be further formed into Farmers Producer Organization (FPO) for post-harvest value chain to the nearest market. Thus, this Naga Model Integrated Settle Farming will turn into a business model and also pave a way for Agro-Eco Tourism. This will also give avenue for migration of urban people back to the rural for their livelihood.
Sema also stressed that the Integrated Settled Farming at Boke Botsa would serve as a model and will be replicated in all the districts eventually. He said that with this system of farming, the State can achieve self-sufficiency and discourage import of rice, vegetables, fish and meat. He has also stated that there is no specific fund to start with, but will be going ahead by faith as it is a need base. He further appeal to the community that they should not depend on Government alone but they should also come forward and contribute their share for the success of the project.
The APC further stated that GPS mapping of the area being taken by the GIS Cell and for which the Agri & allied departments will have to prepare action plan for early implementation of Naga Model Integrated Settle Farming starting from Boke Botsa. Unlike the earlier times, where every department take up and do their own work, under this initiative, which will be the first of its kind, the agri and allied departments will be coordinating and working together for a common goal.
(Wepre Kronu, APRO)
