Kohima — Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, said on Saturday that the department of Horticulture is making all efforts towards holistic growth of the horticulture sector through well-defined state specific strategies to increase production and productivity of fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers.
She stated this while addressing the commissioning programme for a fruit and vegetable processing centre of the Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS) at T. Chikri, Pfütsero, Phek.
Kruse, who was on her maiden visit to Pfütsero as minister, also highlighted that the government of Nagaland is emphasising on sustainable livelihood programmes utilising agricultural and horticultural products as an important part of the state's economy and informed that the state is striving to improve both the nutritional and commercial value of the crops.
The minister said the new facility is a testimony to society's commitment to innovation, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence to meet the evolving needs of the people, and commended the CWWS for its numerous contributions since its inception, in various fields.
Kruse termed the commissioning of the processing centre ‘another milestone and a new chapter that will propel the society towards even greater success in the future,’ and added, “I am proud to know that the society has the privilege of partnering with a number of both government and non-governmental agencies working tirelessly for the upliftment of women in particular and the society in general.”
She remarked that the CWWS is doing exceptionally well and is an inspiration to the Naga women and expressed optimism, saying, "We will help each other in the coming days to achieve our common goal of promoting and expanding local produce and also uplifting women in particular and society in general."
Let us celebrate this milestone together and look forward to a future that is defined by continued success and excellence, she stated.
On the occasion, she also launched value-added products made from pineapple, lemon, spring onion, banana stem, etc.
Director, CWWS, Nezelu Nyekha, in her address, highlighted the various activities of the society and said it has managed to successfully complete upgrading the unit under the project of the fruit and vegetable processing centre within six months under the CSR sponsored by NEDFi and SBI general insurance with a contribution from CWWS for a total cost of INR 1.30 lakhs.
She also informed that CWWS, since its inception, has focused on human development, putting emphasis on the empowerment of women and the development of the society, adding that the society operates in the entire district of Phek with every Chakhesang woman as a member.
Nyekha maintained that the society aims to improve the living conditions of the Chakhesang community, especially women, by implementing various activities in the areas of health, education, enhancement of livelihoods, promotion of traditional crafts and textiles, and conservation of tradition and heritage.
Speeches were also delivered during the event by the MLA of Pfütsero A/C Dr. Neisatuo Mero, DC Phek Kumar Ramnikant, CMD of NEDFi PVSLN Murty, and head of Bancassurance Strategy and Partnership, SBIG Mrigendra Lal Das.
The keynote address was delivered by Atul Mardikar, CEO of Udyogprerana, while Weketso-u Kapfo, programme coordinator at CWWS, led the programme.
Later, the Minister also inspected the Horticulture Research Farm, Pfütsero, accompanied by the secretary, joint secretary, sub-division horticulture officer Phek, HO Pfutsero, and staff. They also inspected the plantations of persimmon, kiwi, plum, roses, and others.