Advisor, Horticulture and Border Affairs, Mhathung Yanthan, flagged off the distribution of winter seeds under MIDH 2021-22 and NEC 2020-21 on 26th August 2021 at the Directorate of Horticulture, Kohima. It was distributed to identify villages for Covid-19 post pandemic economic recovery activities.
Speaking as the special guest, Yanthan appreciated the department for timely procurement of winter vegetable seeds who has gone an extra mile in procuring seeds although there was no sanctions, but in anticipation of sanctions the department purchased seeds on credit in order to assured that the seeds reached the farmers on time.
He said that Nagas have learned a great lessons during the pandemic, to produce enough for ourselves and enough for marketable surplus so that we get economic returns. Keeping in view of this the Chief Minister has taken the initiative and this program has been conceptualised, he stated.
He said that Nagaland have enough surplus production but no proper market or proper post-harvest technology and no market channelizing. He further mentioned that the farmers have to be encouraged to do farming in real business venture and consider themselves as entrepreneur, for which the department has to extend their service effectively to the farmers. He also called upon the department and farmers to take advantage of the Air cargo facility which is now available for all. Yanthan further urged the people to take opportunity of the potential scope and facilities that different departments, agencies are providing.
Agriculture Production Commissioner, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, in his introductory remark acknowledged the department for working tirelessly for the farming community at the time of pandemic and arranging the winter seeds in advance to the farmers covering 170 village. The ACP also requested the farmers to preserve the seeds for future use.
Under funds provided by NEC for the year 2020-21 the Department provided quality vegetable seeds to the farmers for whole year cultivation, identifying l00 vegetable villages covering 11 districts including 10,000 households and under MIDH during 2021-22; 1,000 Ha area is to be covered under vegetables wherein villages are adopted as 'Vegetable villages' by the Department and are supported with vegetable seeds for both kharif and rabi season. So far, there are over 70 vegetable villages covering all the districts including the youngest District of Noklak. The concept behind these 'Vegetable villages' is to increase the quantum of vegetables produced so that there is marketable surplus which can contribute to increasing the income of the villagers by way of sale of the vegetables while also contributing to their nutritional security by ensuring availability of vegetables for their consumption.
(Tovikali & Moamenla, IA)
