APC Y Kikheto Sema addressing the interactive session in Dimapur on March 15. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 15
In order to achieve the State’s target to attain 100% organic state status, Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) Y Kikheto Sema has discouraged the use of fertilizers and pesticides in farming activities and said that an order in this regard would be issued soon.
Kikheto made the statement during an interactive session with entrepreneurs on export promotion on Naturally Nagaland products at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur on March 15.
Launched in February last year, Naturally Nagaland envisages to facilitate the entrepreneurs to sell their products outside the state under the same name. Initially, products under Naturally Nagaland would be available at State Emporiums in Delhi and Kolkata. Till recently, only the Nagaland Handloom & Handicraft products were showcased at State Emporiums but it would now facilitate sale and show of all products from Nagaland.
Although it was launched last year, the nationwide lockdown had stalled its activity and the state government is now picking up the initiative.
In this connection, a 7-member Special Committee comprising of government officials and entrepreneurs was formed on March 15. The members include NSAMB CEO G Ikuto Zhimomi as Convenor; Deputy Secretary for Agriculture Holohon Yepthomi as Member Secretary and Director for Horticulture Dr R Elithung Lotha, DUDA Additional Director Dr Anungla Phom, Richard Belho from Green Caravan, Ababe Ezung from Sowers & Eaters, and CNCCI Chairperson Dr Khekugha Murru as members.
The Committee was constituted to regulate the export, pricing, quality management, transportation, air cargo and logistical support with regard to the products of Nagaland under Naturally Nagaland. However, NSAMB would continue to be the nodal agency for export of agricultural products of the state. Till date, 48 items/products have been identified under Naturally Nagaland and nutritional certification for the same is completed.
Emphasizing on the need of improving market strategies, Kikheto said the Naga entrepreneurs should showcase their products in the right perspective and added that the agri and allied departments were ready to provide all logistic support to them as well as the farmers. He also stressed on the need for the Naga people to go back to farming and change the status of Nagaland from a consumer state to a producer state.
Commissioner & Secretary for Horticulture and Women Resources Anenla Sato, Director of Horticulture Dr R Elithung Lotha, Additional Director for Agriculture S Kivikhu Achumi, DUDA Additional Director Dr Anungla Phom and a host of entrepreneurs were among those who spoke during the interactive session.
