Naturally Nagaland and Noklak Handicrafts Festival was celebrated at Noklak on 9th February 2022 at public ground Noklak with Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Nagaland as Special Guest under the theme 'towards sustainability'.
The APC stated that it was his fourth visit to Noklak to district and shared his observation that the people of Khiamniungan community are humble and hardworking and has so far no given any trouble to the law and order in the state. He encouraged them to continue the same. He said that, Naturally Nagaland is the commitment made by the state government particularly after the pandemic, the state has realized that we cannot always depend on the other states for all our needs and that we should have a sustainable economy of our own. He also mentioned how Lt. Temjen Toy, former Chief Secretary has a burning desire for the success of Naturally Nagaland.
And in order to achieve that we should encourage our own organic products produced locally. Also to encourage young entrepreneurs, FPOs and SHGs the state government decided to set up stall across districts with bright name called Naturally Nagaland and added that he is happy that yet another commitment of the state government is being fulfilled. He informed that on 9th July 2021 and 1st November 2021 the state government has inaugurated Naturally Nagaland stalls at Dimapur & Kohima respectively and the products of the entrepreneurs, FPOs and SHGs are sold.
He also stated that, the farming community should not only depend on the traditional method of agriculture but adapt with the changing times. As the world is changing rapidly and so also is the climate and weather conditions. He stated that the Nagas for ages have exploited and misused the soil and depleted the soil of its nutrients without taking care of its health and that the time has come for us to change our ways.
He also said that the agri. and allied departments and other KVKs, ICAR are working convergence to bring about new innovations and the experts in the department and scientist community are all there to help and guide the farmers when needed.
Mean time he also requested that the farmers should not depend on the government alone but rather work with sincerity for their survival and stand on their own feet.
APC also informed that the government has set up AC organic market at Agri-Expo, 4th Mile Dimapur to enable the farmers sale their product at all season, the government will soon be building 120 bedded Farmers Hostel at Agri-Expo, which will be made available for all farmers across the state at a reasonable price to provide the farmers affordable accommodation and to sale their produce.
He added that the state government also understands the difficulties faced by the people of the district in sending the agriculture produce to the markets due to the road connectivity issues and the cost of transportation and therefore the state government is working on the modalities and is working to improve the condition in the area. He also requested the people of Noklak to continue giving their fullest cooperation to the government and respect the law of the land and work together for the welfare of the district. He expressed his deep appreciation to the district administration and all the participants and stated that this one of the best exhibition he has attended.
He also requested DC to form APMC for the benefit of the farming community.
Deputy Commissioner Noklak, Hiazu Meru in his introductory remarks mentioned that, Noklak District is very rich, unique and refine in handicrafts therefore, in order to promote the potential of the region, Noklak handicraft festival is organised. Though there is enough products of handicrafts in the district but the people are facing challenges to reach out in the market therefore, the platform is been created to meet the buyer and the producer.
DC said, along with the richness of handicrafts, there is also lots of potentials in ecotourism, cultural tourism, adventures tourism.
President, Khiamniungan Tribal Council M. Thangou and President Noklak Handloom & Handicraft Council S. Khumo also spoke during the occasion. Special song was presented by Harmanas Band, Noklak and invocation prayer by Hempao Lam ES KBCA.
The festival was followed by musical extravaganza at Tourist Resort Noklak. Where Officers Band Noklak and various other local artists shall entertain the audience.
Meanwhile, in a sideline of the festival Training for Tourists Quide was given by Nagaland Tours & Guide Association and free distribution of Tool kits by the Nagaland Handloom & Handicraft Co-operation Limited was held at 9:00 am before the start of the main event.
The special guest was accompanied by host of dignitaries from agri and allied departments. Later APC and his entourage visited coffee and tea farm at Pangsha area.
(APRO and K.K. Chim, IA Noklak)
