Workshop on strengthening banana ecosystem held in Wokha
Workshop on strengthening banana ecosystem held in Wokha
Organised by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Wokha a one-day workshop for stakeholders on strengthening the banana ecosystem for sustainable development was successfully conducted as part of Krishi Swarna Samriddhi Week
Dr. Chumben Murry and other dignitaries along with the
participants during a one-day workshop at Tiyi Hall in Wokha town on Tuesday.
WOKHA — As part
of Krishi Swarna Samriddhi Week (KSSW), a one-day workshop for stakeholders on
strengthening the banana ecosystem for sustainable development was successfully
conducted at Tiyi Hall in Wokha town on Tuesday.
Organised by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Wokha, in
collaboration with ICAR-Agriculture Technology Application Research Institute
(ATARI), Umiam, Meghalaya, district administration of Wokha, ICAR-National
Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, and the
Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM), the event brought together
various stakeholders to discuss opportunities in banana farming.
Dr. Chumben Murry, advisor to the chief minister of Nagaland
and former minister, attended the occasion as the special guest. Addressing the
audience, Dr. Murry emphasised the significance of Wokha's subtropical climate
in promoting large-scale banana farming.
He highlighted its potential to boost job creation and
economic security for the people. Referring to his vision project ‘Food
security by 2025,’ Dr. Murry expressed optimism about the state government's
ongoing commitment to the initiative. He urged scientists and researchers to
provide technical expertise and hands-on training to farmers from production to
marketing to enhance financial independence and expand banana farming across
Nagaland and beyond.
Dr. Murry also spoke about the benefits of banana farming in
addressing traditional agricultural challenges such as jhum cultivation. He
outlined its potential to foster sustainable farming, economic growth and
mitigate the effects of global warming. Additionally, he encouraged farmers and
entrepreneurs to utilise central and state government schemes aimed at
fostering economic growth and nation-building.
While dwelling on ‘One district one product’ (ODOP)
initiative, Dr. Murry emphasised the importance of multi-cropping to achieve
ecological balance and enhance livelihood security. He further advocated
financial literacy programmes and investments to support farmers' growth and
urged the agencies to assist farmers in achieving financial sustainability.
Vineet Kumar, deputy commissioner of Wokha, in his opening
remarks, highlighted the district's strategic roadmap for banana farming under
the District Planning and Development Board's (DPDB) five-year vision. Kumar
emphasised the event’s aim of increasing farmers' income through sustainable
banana production.
He noted that Wokha tops among other districts of the state
in banana production, contributing 11,000 metric tons annually. Kumar expressed
optimism that the event along with the work of farmer producer organisations
(FPO) would enhance farmers’ knowledge and add value to existing banana
products in the district.
The inaugural session featured a welcome address by Dr.
Sandeep Desmukh, senior scientist and head of ICAR-KVK, Wokha, while a virtual
keynote address was delivered by Dr. R Selvarajan, director of ICAR-NRCB, Tamil
Nadu, and a presidential address was delivered by Dr. AK Mohanty, director of
ICAR-ATARI, Zone VII, Meghalaya.
Speeches were also delivered by Suman Sivanchar, divisional
forest officer (DFO), Wokha; Dr. Homeswar Kalita, HRC at ICAR Research Complex
for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre; and S Senka Jamir, joint director of
Horticulture.
The inaugural session was chaired by Sojano Tsopoe, while
the vote of thanks was delivered by Anuranjan Singh, project manager of ETF,
Wokha.
The afternoon technical session was followed by a panel
discussion on envisioning ODOP for banana farming, focusing on technological
options, institutional support and market opportunities. The session was
chaired by Vineet Kumar held at his office’s conference hall.
