Dimapur, Jan. 20: State level stakeholder’s consultation meet for modification of Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) guidelines was held in the Conference Hall of Directorate of Horticulture, Kohima on January 18.
The meet was to discuss on policies related to the existing MIDH guidelines and further requirements for holistic development of Horticulture sector, so as to suggest views and comments to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India for modifications in the MIDH Guidelines.
Director of Horticulture, Pawan Kumar, who also chaired the programme, appraised the house that the meeting was called at the behest of the Ministry so that stakeholders can be given the opportunity to present their views and suggestions to modify the MIDH guidelines at the state level. He also said the outcome of the meeting will be presented in the Zonal Level Stakeholders Consultation meet, to be held on February 1, which will culminate at the National Level meet.
Alan Gomei, IAS & Secretary (Horticulture) in his address said this was the first time that the states have been consulted in any National policy decision as till the 12th Five Year Plan.
He also said states were not taken into confidence during the framing of various scheme guidelines due to which it became difficult to implement the schemes especially in the North East Region, due to the geographical and social differences.
He urged the stakeholders especially the farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, bankers and field officers to take full advantage of the privilege and come out with useful suggestions based on their field experiences so as to make the implementation of the scheme successful.
In the technical session, stakeholders discussed the different aspects and issues in MIDH guidelines and analysed. They also shared opinions and suggestions for modification with the consensus of the members present which will be compiled and presented at the Zonal Level Stakeholders Meet.
The meeting concluded with vote of thanks from Arun Mech, joint director of Horticulture.
The Meet which was attended by officers of Horticulture Department, representatives from ICAR, SASRD, CIH, SBI Lead Bank, NSAMB, FPOs, progressive farmers and entrepreneurs from districts.
