Dignitaries at the inauguration and dedication of the Natural Banana Fibre Production Unit and Cold Storage Facility at the MMC Complex, Mokokchung, on August 14.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | August 14
Two projects aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and strengthening the agricultural value chain in Mokokchung were inaugurated and dedicated on August 14 at the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) Complex— the Natural Banana Fibre Production Unit and a 5-metric ton Cold Storage Facility.
The Banana Fibre Production Unit was inaugurated by Metsübo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Government of Nagaland, while the Cold Storage Facility was inaugurated by Imkongmar, Advisor for Minority Affairs & Sericulture, Government of Nagaland. Both initiatives were spearheaded by Sharingain Longkumer, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) for 2024–2025 and funded under the LADP, common Pool 2024-2025.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Metsübo Jamir highlighted the global shift towards sustainable practices. “The world we are facing today is all focused on renewable, sustenance, and recycling. No more of these plastics or permanent things — everything has to be recycled, reused, and given back to nature,” he said.
Acknowledging the Speaker’s role in initiating the Banana Fibre Production Unit, the Minister remarked, “I think our people will use it productively, and it will be a very income-generating activity. May this be a basis for villages and sub-units to take up such activities.”
He urged the MMC to ensure consistent operation of the unit. “If you show it as a success, then everybody will contribute. The responsibility is very much on the MMC,” he said, adding that banana fibre could be integrated into traditional weaving to promote local clothing and cultural heritage.
Jamir also revealed plans for a paper shredding and recycling project in various districts, expressing hope to involve Mokokchung. He also touched on the challenges of development in the town, stating that, “It is not that we don’t want to do things in Mokokchung. We just don’t have land. Even if we bring big projects, where do we set them up?”
“We cannot even widen the roads, we cannot even implement drainage systems. People can criticise about not doing anything, but I think somehow, it is 50-50 that we are not able to do anything in the town,” he added.
Advisor Imkongmar, speaking on the Cold Storage Facility, described it as a critical tool for farmers. “This is not just a building, but a symbol of hope and opportunity, especially for farmers and vendors by minimising post-harvest losses,” he said.
He added, “With this facility, farmers will be able to preserve their produce longer, access better markets, and reduce waste.
The Advisor called for effective utilisation and maintenance of the facility, urging the MMC to collaborate with farmers and explore future expansion. “Let me say this is more than a facility — it is a symbol of progress and our shared goal to build a stronger, more resilient agricultural economy,” he stated.
In his guiding remarks, Speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed gratitude to the Minister, Advisor, land donors, and the MMC. He reflected on the symbolism of the day, linking it to the broader Made in Nagaland vision. “The success of Made in Nagaland will depend on the success of Made in Mokokchung,” he asserted.
Urging the community to innovate without losing identity, he said, “Let us not duplicate or replicate what other districts are doing. We need to preserve our identity in our business efforts and innovations.” He stressed that the Banana Fibre Unit should produce something Mokokchung can be renowned for, adding, “Resilience is timeless — from the old clock tower to the new, our strength lies in innovation and the toughness of our people.”
The programme also included expressions of gratitude from Lanuakum, Deputy Chairperson, MMC; acknowledgements by Imkongchuba A., Chairperson, MMC; and a blessing by Rev. Senti Jamir, Pastor, MTBA.
