Sustainable farming key to Naga society's growth — MP Jamir
S Supongmeren Jamir addressing the launching ceremony of
‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ at ICAR-NRC on Mithun Centre in Medziphema.
DIMAPUR — Nagaland’s
lone Lok Sabha MP, S Supongmeren Jamir on Thursday underscored the importance
of agriculture in the Naga society and exhorted farmers to adopt commercially
viable practices, aligning with initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture
in the region.
The MP encouraged farmers to take optimum advantage of the
services and facilities provided by many institutions in the state, including
centres of excellences, to support their transition to commercial farming.
Jamir was addressing the launching ceremony of ‘Viksit
Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan,’ a 15-day nationwide pre-kharif campaign, organised
jointly by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dimapur, ICAR Nagaland Centre and ICAR-NRC on
Mithun, at the ICAR-NRC on Mithun Centre in Medziphema, an update stated.
He also remarked that apart from the great strides being
made in the delivery of extension services, the concerned institutions should
also give equal emphasis on enhancing marketing infrastructure, including cold
chains, transportation, logistics, and market linkages, to support farmers.
Further, the MP expressed his deep respect for farmers and
pledged his support for initiatives promoting agriculture in the state.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries including
Dr. Girish Patil S, Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun; Dr. H Kalita, head of ICAR
Nagaland Centre; Prof. L Daiho, dean, School of Agricultural Sciences,
Medziphema; James Swu, ADC Medziphema and hundreds of progressive farmers from
Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts.
The ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ was also launched
simultaneously on Thursday in Mon, Tuensang, Noklak, Shamator, Zunheboto and
Longleng districts.
Mon: The event was organised by KVK Mon with Renbithung
Jami, SDO , Aboi as guest of honour. In his address, Jami encouraged the
farmers and participants to take advantage of the programmes as it can help the
state to achieve food sustainability and generate income. In his keynote
address, Dr. V Akashe Zhimomi, district nodal officer (VKSA) and senior
scientist and head, KVK Mon, highlighted about the campaign.
Tuensang, Noklak and Shamator: The launching programme of
the pre-kharif campaign for the three districts of Tuensang, Noklak and
Shamator was flagged-off by Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang
at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tuensang.In
her address, the DC emphasised timely availability of quality seeds to the
farming community. She also encouraged the Agriculture and allied departments
to create avenues for market linkages and value addition of farm produce. Dr.
Pijush Kanti Biswas, senior scientist and head, KVK Tuensang, highlighted the
significance of VKSA. The campaign proposes to cover 102 villages.
Zunheboto: The launch
event was held at the auditorium of Nagaland University, Lumami, with Prof. JK
Patnaik as the chief guest. In his address, the chief guest underscored the
importance of the initiative and highlighted the critical role agriculture
plays in the national economy, noting that while India faced food grain
shortages during the 1960s, the country is now self-sufficient and even exports
surplus produce. Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, principal scientist and head,
highlighted the objectives and significance of the initiative.
Longleng: The campaign was launched at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan
Kendra (KVK), Longleng, with W Manpai Phom, deputy commissioner, Longleng, as
the chief guest. The DC highlighted the critical role of convergence,
innovation, and coordination among stakeholders to accelerate agricultural
progress. In his opening remarks, Dr. Hari Charan Kalita, senior scientist and
head, KVK Longleng, emphasised the significance of collaborative agricultural
initiatives and grassroots outreach for the betterment of farmers.
Vineet Kumar with officials and others during the launching
programme in Wokha. (EM Images)
Wokha: The campaign was formally launched at the deputy
commissioner’s conference hall, where DC Wokha, Vineet Kumar, highlighted the
need for effective communication to ensure accessibility of technical
knowledge. He urged officials to foster trust among villagers and make
departmental outreach more impactful.Dr. Sandeep Deshmukh, senior scientist and head, ICAR-KVK Wokha,
outlined the campaign’s goal and said that in Nagaland, 309 teams will be
deployed to facilitate knowledge dissemination and identify local farming
challenges.
Kohima: The launching programme in Kohima was attended by
MhathungYanthan, Advisor for Agriculture, as the special guest. A brief remark
on the importance of the VKSA programme was delivered by the Director of
Agriculture, Sanuzo Nienu and a short speech on behalf of the village was delivered
by the chairman of the Kohima Village Council. A technical session was also
conducted, which saw the active participation of 233 individuals, including
officials from the Agriculture and allied departments and farmers.
According to a DIPR report, the VKSA campaign was also held
in Tseminyu, Mokokchung, Phek and Peren districts.
