Mhathung Yanthan stresses market linkages and grading for better crop prices

DIMAPUR — A field visit programme showcasing the agricultural potential of Chiethu, Kohima, was held on Wednesday with Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan as the special guest.

The event was organised to showcase the rich agricultural potential of the region and foster engagement between farmers and government stakeholders, according to a DIPR report.

The programme began with 11 farmer groups leading the advisor and officials to the jhum fields, where they showcased the bountiful crops of the land.

In his address, Yanthan commended the farmers and villagers for their hard work and sincerity, noting that the practice of mixed cropping had resulted in rich yields and holds significant income potential for the community.

Speaking on the challenges faced by farmers, particularly in Nagaland, he highlighted the impacts of climate change and global warming and urged farmers to stay updated and skilled in government agricultural schemes and technologies. He also emphasised the importance of water conservation, given the unpredictability of monsoons and limited irrigation sources.

Yanthan stressed the need for sorting and grading produce to access different market rates, including national-level markets. He pointed out that the region’s favourable soil and climate conditions offer opportunities for diversifying crops into fruits and vegetables. He also mentioned the cold storage facility in Sovima, which can aid in prolonging the shelf life of produce before market delivery.

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Endorsing the idea of agritourism, Yanthan supported Sovima Village Council chairman Sebastian Zumvu’s suggestion to explore this potential as an alternative income source and encouraged the community to develop related infrastructure.

He further highlighted various government schemes such as Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, among others, and emphasised that these schemes are tailored to the needs of farmers, with the departments of Agriculture and Horticulture working to ensure their effective implementation at the grassroots. Distribution of agricultural machinery is also being done based on field-specific requirements, he added.

The advisor informed the gathering about a new agriculture policy currently in the pipeline. The policy aims to focus on productivity enhancement, market linkages, farmer welfare, and post-harvest infrastructure.

He mentioned ELEMENT, a World Bank-funded project aimed at unlocking economic opportunities through forest-based produce. Chiechama, he said, is among the 225 villages selected under this initiative and hence encouraged farmers to be inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative to fully benefit from such schemes.

Earlier in the programme, Mhalezolie Metha, chairman of Chiechama Village Council, and Sebastian Zumvu delivered short speeches. Zumvu highlighted Chiethu’s scenic landscape and agricultural richness and its potential opportunities for developing agritourism in the region.