Officials and participants during the workshop-cum-distribution programme on quality planting materials conducted at the DC’s conference hall, Wokha on February 17. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | February 17
A one-day workshop-cum-distribution programme on quality planting materials was conducted at the DC’s conference hall, Wokha on February 17 under the Cluster Development Programme of Medicinal, Aromatic, Floriculture and Beekeeping (Apiculture).
The programme was organised as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) executed between the District Administration, Wokha, Government of Nagaland, and the CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), Jorhat, in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wokha.
In his address, Vineet Kumar, IAS, DC Wokha, stated that the vision is to gradually develop Wokha into a model district under the Cluster Development Programme. He emphasised that the initiative is being implemented step by step, with focused crop identification based on local suitability and market potential.
He informed that after a series of meetings and consultations, including discussions at the Conference Hall, chamomile has been identified as a suitable floriculture crop for Wokha district due to its short turnaround time of approximately three months and its potential to generate revenue quickly.
He highlighted that the programme is not limited to cultivation alone but includes technical training on scientific growing methods, harvesting, post-harvest management, and essential oil extraction.
Stressing the importance of value addition, he noted that centralised facilities for post-harvest processing may be explored in the future.
On apiculture, he pointed out that beekeeping has been integrated with floriculture since flowering crops directly support honey production. He informed that around 100 bee boxes are proposed for phased distribution, and interested groups particularly from Bhandari and Wokha village areas will be trained not only in beekeeping but also in preparing bee boxes locally to encourage self-reliance.
The DC assured that marketing linkages would be facilitated through technical collaboration with CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), Jorhat, including quality testing of samples and assistance in connecting growers with buyers. He emphasised that assured market access is a crucial component of the project.
While assuring administrative support, he urged farmers not to remain entirely dependent on government assistance but to take ownership of the initiative. “We are here to support you to the fullest extent possible,” he stated, “but success will depend on your commitment, timely care of planting materials, and collective effort.”
He expressed gratitude to the Director and team of CSIR-NEIST for their continued technical guidance and passion for agricultural development in the district, and requested continued mentorship and advanced-level interventions during the three-month cultivation cycle if required.
A short speech was delivered by Dr BL Mhalo Tungoe, SMS (Agri Extension)/CTO, ICAR-KVK, Wokha, who emphasised the role of technical guidance, training, and quality inputs in transforming the rural agricultural landscape.
The technical session featured expert presentations by Dr VR Singh, Project Director, RCFC NER, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat; Raghu Tamang, Research Scholar, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat; and Satya Saikia, Apiculture and Honey Bee Expert, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat. The experts shared insights on scientific cultivation practices, value addition, and best management techniques in medicinal and aromatic crops, floriculture, and beekeeping.
An interactive feedback session followed, involving officials from the District Administration, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, and ICAR-KVK, Wokha, where participants discussed challenges, opportunities, and future plans for cluster development in the district.
The programme concluded with the distribution of quality planting materials to beneficiaries, aimed at boosting cultivation practices and strengthening the agri-based economy of Wokha district.
