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PB Acharya speaking during a function in Medziphema on Tuesday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, May 8 (EMN): Governor PB Acharya has called upon the people of Nagaland to work hard and earn enough to live independently instead of depending on the central government’s subsidy.
Acharya was addressing an interactive session between farmers and scientists at the Research Farm, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland centre on Tuesday in Medziphema.
He urged the Naga people to create wealth out of the rich natural resources found in the state stating that running away from problems is not going to solve them. “We cannot be a subsidy state, we can be independent,” he stated.
The governor stated belief that Nagaland is blessed with abundant natural resources and if the Nagas work collectively to harness the resource, the state can be the richest in the country.
“Nagaland is suffering for no reason. Nagas are only depending on subsidy from the Centre when your natural resources are very rich.” He urged the Nagas to march ahead stating that time doesn’t wait for anyone.
Acharya said: “I have 29 workers in my garden (at the Raj Bhavan), out of which there is only one Naga. How many Nagas are ready to work?” Stating that Nagaland was blessed with abundant rainfall throughout the year, he said the agricultural produce should also correspond with the rainfall, in terms of abundance.
However, the governor lamented that Nagaland falls short in spite of its rich land. He narrated an instance that happened when he visited Nagaland University in Lumami. Acharya said that the students demanded a truck. When questioned about its purpose, the students said that they have to go to Assam to buy vegetables and they need a truck to transport the food items.
“What a shame!” Acharya exclaimed.
The governor also inaugurated the exhibition stalls and released books about the recent achievements of ICAR- Nagaland centre from 2014-2018.
The joint director of ICAR- Nagaland centre, DJ Rajkhowa, highlighted some activities of the ICAR in Nagaland. The activities undertaken by ICAR include fishery, animal husbandry, horticulture, poultry, piggery, training and demonstration on value added agricultural crops, capacity building programmes, and organic farming among others. He promised to continue with the efforts and provide required assistance to the farmers.
MK Mero, the principal secretary of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry in Nagaland also gave a brief note about the activities in Nagaland. He said that Nagaland contributes about 30% of Gross Domestic Product from agriculture to the country and saw a growth rate of 6-7% in recent years.
Mero said that the farmers can increase their income by introducing scientific knowledge inputs and allied activities in agriculture. “Our land is rich but we need to learn scientific knowledge and step up our activities to earn more revenue and double the income of the farmers,” he said.
The programme was attended by farmers from various districts of the state and the officials from ICAR.