A one-day training programme on novel processing and value addition in tapioca, along with the 'Ethnic Tuber Crops Festival', was held on Monday at Tiyi Hall, Wokha
Mhathung Yanthan,
Vineet Kumar, along with participants and other officials, during the one-day
training programme on novel processing and value addition in tapioca at Tiyi
Hall, Wokha, on Monday. (EM Images)
WOKHA — A one-day
training programme on novel processing and value addition in tapioca, along
with the 'Ethnic Tuber Crops Festival', was held on Monday at Tiyi Hall, Wokha.
The event was jointly organised by ICAR-Central Tuber Crops
Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (NEH Programme of ICAR-CTCRI and
AICRP on Tuber Crops), the district administration of Wokha and ICAR-Krishi
Vigyan Kendra, Wokha.
It was attended by Mhathung Yanthan, MLA and Advisor to the
Department of Agriculture, as the special guest.
Lauding the initiative on the occasion, Yanthan expressed
optimism that the programme would help farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), and
entrepreneurs explore opportunities for food security, agricultural business,
and job creation in the state.
He encouraged SHGs to unite in producing specific products,
gaining recognition, and becoming brands. He highlighted that Nagaland
currently ranks fourth in the country for tapioca production and expressed
confidence that the state could improve its ranking through scientific
approaches and machinery.
He urged the department to explore more programmes focused
on climate-resilient crops for food security and invited scientists to conduct
adaptive trials on indigenous crops.
Impressed by the significant number of women farmers
attending the programme, Yanthan reminded them of their crucial role in the
state's economy. He discouraged the formation of multiple SHGs for financial
gain and urged members to focus on the growth and positive outcomes of their
SHGs.
He also invited entrepreneurs and organisations to avail
financial assistance through the Chief Minister's Micro Finance Initiative
(CMMFI) and the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), while
emphasising the importance of being genuine in repaying loans for further
progress.
Earlier, Vineet Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha,
delivering the welcome note, said that the programme focuses on increasing
farmers' income by enhancing product value, providing training on processing,
and assisting with marketing.
Earlier, Dr. G Byju, director of ICAR-CTCRI,
Thiruvananthapuram, delivered the presidential address via video conference.
The event featured speeches from various officials,
including Dr. R Muthuraj, principal scientist and PI of the NEH Programme, and
Dr. H Kalita, head of the Regional Centre, ICAR RC for NEH Nagaland Centre,
Jharnapani. Department officials from CIH, Nagaland, the additional director of
Agriculture, and the director of Horticulture also spoke at the event.
The programme was chaired by Thungbeni Kikon and saw the
participation of 150 women farmers from SHGs across the district.
