THIPUZU — With the objective and vision to encourage farmers, Michael HS Tan and his wife, Doris Tan, a couple from Singapore, have come forward to incentivise the Thipuzu Farmer’s Award in Thipuzu village under Phek district in recognition of the efforts of those involved in farming agricultural and horticultural products.
The award ceremony was held on Friday in the presence of village leaders, church leaders and the award recipients.
Speaking at the event, Michael HS Tan, director of M&D Prize Foods Pvt. Ltd, said that along with his wife, they have been involved in agriculture. He stated that when they were introduced to Thipuzu village some years ago, they saw the potential of farmers to grow crops that could command a premium in the market, besides cultivating paddy.
He observed that in cities, fruits like Kiwis and Persimmons are premium products. For that reason, his family wanted to encourage farmers to grow more of those crops to improve their incomes.
Additionally, they aimed to motivate farmers to grow more rice to feed their families and sell the surplus in the market, highlighting that the Naga Hills are well-known for organic agriculture.
Tan expressed hope that the villagers would embrace all types of cultivation to improve their incomes. He further stressed the need to instill a strong work ethic in children and emphasised the importance of establishing a trademark for Thipuzu's produce to increase its value and create a unique brand.
Meanwhile, Doris Tan asserted that the people should recognise and acknowledge God for the gift of nature. She urged the community to work hard to glorify God and strive for productivity and abundance.
Speeches were also delivered by Eddie Chan from Kuala Lumpur and Wee Chye Hin from Singapore. They shared that the kiwi product is world-class and has significant export potential.
Dr. Medongoi Rhakho, deputy director of Higher Education, acknowledged Tan and his family for encouraging farmers. He pointed out the findings of the Goswami Commission’s report on subsidies, which noted that subsidies in India have become a “loser's prize.”
He highlighted how the Indian government has changed its policy to focus on awarding "winners' prizes" to encourage excellence.
He also spoke about the National Education Policy (NEP), which has devised internship programmes for students to visit villages during summer or winter breaks to work and upload their activities on digital platforms.
Dr. Rhakho discussed the evolving trends of "Rurban" and "Prosumer," a reverse migration from urbanisation and expressed hope that it would help prevent lifestyle diseases.
Awards were given to farmers in three categories.
In paddy production, Vechosayi Vero with 70 bags was awarded first prize, while
Pusatso Kezo with 70 bags and Vepoyi Kezo with 60.5 bags were awarded second and third prizes respectively.
In kiwi, Vetsucho Veyie with 8000 kg was awarded first prize, while Vezokho Epao with 3690 kg and Vethiyi Kezo with 2500 kg were awarded second and third prizes respectively.
In persimmon, Vecüsüyi Chüzho with 5502 kg was awarded first prize, while Vecüso Chuzho with 1600 kg and Veyho Chüzho with 1300 kg were awarded second and third prizes.