Advisor, Horticulture & Borders Affairs Mhathung Yanthan on 18th November 2021 formally recommissioned the Fruit Canning Factory at Longnak, Mokokchung.

Advisor, Mhathung Yanthan lauded all those involved in bringing the Longnak Canning Factory back to life. He stressed on the need to run the factory consistently and urged the villagers to take up farming as an enterprise by harnessing the potential of the area and also sought their continuous support and cooperation for all round development.

Commissioner & Secretary, Horticulture, Anenla T Sato, IAS delivered the keynote address and a brief report on the Longnak Canning Factory was presented by Deputy Director, Horticulture, Meyasashi. Short speeches were delivered by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mangkolemba, Dharam Raj and Chairman, Changki Village Council, Lemtimenba Amri. Vote of thanks was proposed by Fruit Technological Officer, Longnak Aoimrong while the programme was chaired by Director, Horticulture and Mission Director (MIDH), Dr. Elithung Lotha.

It may be mentioned that the Fruit Canning Factory at Longnak started in 1964 and was commissioned as Quasi-Commercial unit on 5th May 1974. The factory has a capacity of 250 MT annually. The factory was kept on hold in 2006, primarily for up gradation and revitalization. During 2010, the Department engaged an Expert Team from Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore for feasibility study and preparation of detail plan for modernization of the factory. The expert team recommended a total revival cost to the tune of Rs. 411.74 lakhs out of which the Planning Commission, Government of India awarded Rs.100.00 Lakhs. The restoration work is now completed and is now starting to manufacture processed products of Bamboo shoots, pineapple, kiwi, oranges, passion fruit, etc.

Earlier in the day, the Advisor visited Progeny Orchard, Longnak.

(APRO Mangkolemba)