Depts appeal people to allow agri and allied activities

APC and Commissioner & Secretary, Agriculture, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS; Director, Agriculture, Dr. Elithung Lotha and Additional Secretary, Temsunaro address press conference in Dimapur on Saturday. (Morung Photo)
 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 18

Following reports from various places across the state about restriction in movements of farmers and vegetable vendors in colonies and villages, the agri and allied departments have appealed the people to ensure free passage to those people since they fall under the exempted category during the current nationwide lockdown.

This appeal was made by Agriculture Production Commissioner and Commissioner & Secretary, Agriculture, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS who is also a member of the Special Committee, Covid-19 Dimapur; Dr. Elithung Lotha, Director, Horticulture and Temsunaro, Additional Secretary, Agriculture during a press conference at Hotel Saramati Dimapur on Saturday.

Kikheto said reports were received about farmers being restricted to venture out for farming activities, farmers being restricted from venturing out of their village to sell their produces and also restricting buyers from entering villages. All this kind of activities are exempted by the Government of India and so we appeal all the colony/village authorities and volunteers to allow passage for this group of people. Kikheto also appealed the agri and allied departments in the districts and sub-divisions to keep in touch with the farmers and report any such incidents to their respective administrative circles for taking necessary action against the defaulters. He said nearly 75% of Naga population live in the rural areas and this was a time to take it as a challenge and encourage agricultural and horticultural activities. “Even if we cannot produce much for export, we should try to meet our own state’s needs from within and we encourage local entrepreneurs to contact farmers for buying their local produces.

The APC said that the current situation should be taken as a blessing in disguise by the local entrepreneurs and business bodies to promote and strengthen local farmers.

Dr. Elithung said that the Horticulture Department has issued circulars to all its functionaries to ensure that field activities continue since stoppage of farming works would hamper the production. He informed that the government of India had also announced special trains for transportation of perishable goods to reach out across the length and breadth of the country.
Temsunaro informed that dispatch of seeds for various crops to all the districts would be carried out at the earliest.