A one-day workshop-cum-distribution programme on quality planting materials was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Wokha, on 17th February 2026, under the Cluster Development Programme for medicinal, aromatic, floriculture, and apiculture crops.  
The programme is being implemented under the Memorandum of Understanding between the District Administration, Wokha, and CSIR–North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), Jorhat, in collaboration with ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Wokha.  
Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, Vineet Kumar, IAS in his address said the district aims to gradually develop into a model under the cluster framework, with crops selected based on local suitability and market demand. Chamomile has been identified as a suitable floriculture crop due to its short three-month cultivation cycle and income potential.  
He also highlighted the integration of apiculture with floriculture and informed that around 100 bee boxes would be distributed in phases, along with training for interested groups, particularly from Bhandari and Wokha village areas. The Deputy Commissioner assured that market linkages would be facilitated through technical collaboration with CSIR–NEIST to ensure quality testing and buyer connections. He urged farmers to take ownership of the initiative while assuring administrative support.  
Skill Development Officer, Anuranjan Singh, who chaired the programme, stressed the importance of scientific intervention and coordination among departments. SMS (Agricultural Extension) and CTO, ICAR–KVK Wokha, Dr. B. L. Mhalo Tungoe also addressed the gathering.  
The programme concluded with the distribution of quality planting materials to selected beneficiaries, marking another step toward promoting scientific farming practices and sustainable livelihood opportunities in Wokha district.  

(DPRO and IA Wokha)