Agriculture a powerful engine of economic growth–Advisor Mha
Agriculture a powerful engine of economic growth–Advisor Mhathung
Mhathung Yanthan said that agriculture and its allied sectors is no longer merely a subsistence-based livelihood but as powerful engine of economic growth.
Mhathung Yanthan addressing the participants during
state-level workshop on Nagaland Food & Feed Link in Kohima on Friday.
DIMAPUR — The
advisor of Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, on Friday said that agriculture and
its allied sectors is no longer merely a subsistence-based livelihood but as
powerful engine of economic growth and added that the state government is actively
reviewing policies with a focused mission to move Nagaland from a
consumer-driven economy to a production-oriented one which is capable of
generating marketable surpluses and ensuring food sovereignty.
He stated this during a state-level workshop on Nagaland
Food & Feed Link (N2FL), leveraging information, networks and knowledge
decoding food and feed value chains and DRE integration for Nagaland, held at
Japfü Hotel in Kohima.
The advisor has termed the workshop as a gathering of minds
and hearts united by a common vision to harness the full potential of
Nagaland’s agriculture and livestock sector through clean energy innovations.
He mentioned that with pivotal shift, agriculture and its
allied sectors is no longer merely a subsistence-based livelihood, but as
powerful engine of economic growth. With this shift, he added that the state
government is actively reviewing policies with a focused mission to move
Nagaland from a consumer-driven economy to a production-oriented one, which is
capable of generating marketable surpluses and ensuring food sovereignty, a
DIPR report stated.
He stated that agriculture remains the lifeblood of people,
engaging nearly 70% of Nagaland's population directly or indirectly. He added
that despite the centrality of agriculture in their livelihood and culture,
people face significant challenges that required systemic transformation.
Mhathung also suggested scaling up local piggery development
across the state in order to address multiple goals such as boosting food
self-sufficiency, create employment, support rural livelihood and open doors
for youth in animal husbandry. Besides, he stated that scaling pig production
could catalyse the growth of a vibrant local feed industry.
“Our farmers already grow or can grow several crops ideal
for feed. These include tapioca, collocasia which are rich source of energy and
maize which is a foundational ingredient in animal feed that can be grown
across the state in jhum fields,” the advisor said.
He also pointed out that huge quantities of crop residues
and food by-products that remained under utilised could be transformed from
waste to value through clean energy and integrated innovation.
“Soybean- known for its high protein content, mustard which
provides oilcake, an excellent feed supplement can be grown all along the
foothills and valley lands. By promoting these crops alongside livestock and
enabling decentralised feed processing through clean energy, we can create
circular, locally-driven value chains,” he added.
He, therefore, urged the participants to take the workshop
as more than a platform for dialogue but a launch pad for action- one where
food security, feed sufficiency and clean energy converge in an integrated
development vision for Nagaland.
He also urged to focus on integrated approaches like dual
purpose crops, reuse of agricultural by-products for feed, improved
post-harvest handling and investments in climate-resilient and economically
viable value chains.
He also mentioned that the efforts must be inclusive and
acknowledge the roles of women, youth and indigenous knowledge holders in
shaping the future of agriculture.
He further stressed synergy across departments in
agriculture and allied departments, Power, Rural Development, Industries and
collaboration with research institutions, private innovators and most
importantly the farmers themselves, their voices, experiences and ideas to
guide in the journey forward.
