Mhathung Yanthan with Shanavas C and other officials during
the flag-off event of reefer trucks in Kohima on Friday. (EM Images)
- KOHIMA — Advisor
for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan on Friday underscored the need to do away with
“one-man” Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs),
saying that such individualistic approaches come in the way where collective
efforts are required.
- The advisor also said all stakeholders need to work together
cohesively.
- Yanthan was addressing the flag-off ceremony of reefer
trucks sponsored by FOCUS-IFAD Nagaland, at Secretariat Ground in Kohima, which
were distributed to FPOs and other entrepreneurs.
- Describing the event as epoch-making, he congratulated the
FOCUS-IFAD team for the initiative and said this will go a long way in
addressing the state's challenges, as the vehicles will cover different
production areas.
- The advisor shared that the reefer vehicles will cater to
the farmers' produce, especially perishable goods, fruits and vegetables, which
will now be linked to the market through these vehicles.
- He maintained that implementation of the FOCUS-IFAD project
in the state, now into the sixth year, has positively impacted 608 villages in
various ways and, most importantly, led to the formation of 16 FPOs under the
project.
- He also disclosed that last year, INR 10 lakh each was
provided to the FPOs as seed money. And this time, refrigerated vehicles were
given, he added.
- Pointing out that the 16 FPOs and seven other beneficiaries
were fortunate to receive the vehicles, he emphasised that these vehicles
should not serve individual pursuits but support the entire farming community
and FPOs.
- Further, he noted that while the FOCUS-IFAD project is
coming to an end, the FPOs formed under it are meant to be permanent entities
which should continue to grow and operate like companies.
- Commissioner and Secretary and State Project Director of
FOCUS-Nagaland, Shanavas C, informed that the 23 reefer vehicles are designated
for 16 FPOs created under the FOCUS-IFAD project, while seven others were
allocated to high-performing FPOs and entrepreneurs.
- He mentioned that since the FOCUS Nagaland project is coming
to an end, the government has prepared an exit strategy.
- The official also urged the beneficiaries to use the
vehicles solely for the intended purpose.
- The vehicles were distributed to beneficiaries from Kohima,
Phek, Mokokchung, Longleng, Mon, Zunheboto, Kiphire and Wokha districts in the
presence of FOCUS-IFAD Nagaland officials.
