Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar, on his maiden two-day trip to Nagaland, visited the CIH (Central Institute of Horticulture) Campus at Medziphema on the 26th of June 2022.
Addressing the gathering at CIH, Medziphema after inaugurating the Farmers exhibition cum Workshop, Tomar mentioned the immense scope and advantage of growing a variety of horticultural crops in Nagaland due to the presence of six agro-climatic zones with vast geographical variations in Nagaland in particular and North East in general. Narendra Singh Tomar expressed joy to be in the land which he said was rich in flora, fauna, and culture. Tomar observed that crops including pineapples, bananas, mushrooms, and Naga king chilies make Nagaland an important unique place in India, and encouraged maintaining global quality standards and increasing productivity. In doing so, the farmers would fetch good prices which would improve their financial conditions and this would further contribute to the country's GDP, he maintained. While appreciating farmers' contribution to agriculture, the Union Minister lauded the efforts of CIH, the State Government, and Central University Imphal for working towards providing new technologies and digitizing agriculture thereby boosting production and productivity in the agricultural sector.
Pointing out that Agriculture is the most vital source of livelihood, Tomar highlighted some of the State and central funding programmes and reminded the farmers to fully utilize the schemes. Tomar Singh claimed that Prime Minister Modi was working for ensuring that the State Government receives adequate funds for agriculture and stressed that technology should reach farmers through CIH.
He highlighted PM Narendra Modi's Vision for doubling farmers' income and continued focus on North East and lauded Nagaland for going hand in hand in uplifting the situation of farmers and making Modi's dream come true. Tomar expressed optimism that Nagaland farmers would give birth to a new revolution in Horticulture and also assured that CIH would not be shifted anywhere outside Nagaland and that the central government would continue to give sufficient funding for more progress and improvement of the Center.
On the occasion, the Union Minister released the extension folders published by CIH and also launched the ready-to-serve juice of Litchi, Mango, Lemon, Strawberry, and Pineapple made by NG Baio- founder of Hills Foods from Senapati, Manipur.
Advisor Horticulture, Mhathung Yanthan thanked the Union Minister for choosing Nagaland on his North East visit. Informing that there were about 30 GI registered crops in the Northeast alone, he requested MoA& FW to promote the region's unique crops for marketing not only within the country but also outside to create avenues for local farmers and young entrepreneurs. While expressing displeasure over reports of the merger of CIH with the National Horticulture Board, the advisor feared that if it was merged, the very purpose and objectives of setting up the institute would get diluted. Recalling that the State Government had provided land for the Institute resulting in infrastructure development that has benefited the State, Yanthan requested a review and mentioned that the issue had also been taken up by the State Government with the Center.
Earlier the programme was started with the lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest & dignitaries
The programme was compered by Marina, Senior Technical Assistant, and welcome address by Dr. Prabhat Kumar Horticulture Commissioner; DA & FW GOI,
A vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. N.K Patle Addl. Commissioner (Hort.), DA &FW and Director i/c, CIH, Nagaland.
The programme was attended by Minister of Agri, Government of Nagaland, G Kaito Aye, APC Nagaland, Y. Kikheto Sema, Commissioner Secretary Agri & Allied DepartmentAnenla T Sato, ICAR officials, Scientists, Agri Officers from various districts, farmers, and exhibitors.
(Sashimong, IA Medziphema)
