Chizokho Vero
Kohima | July 16
The recent remark made by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio that Nagaland produces only 28% of food production even though 80 % of the state’s population is engaged in farming, was an eye opener to many. This gave a loud and clear signal that this area needs to be discussed at length from the grassroots up. The Nagaland department of Agriculture has stated that agriculture is also the backbone of the state’s economy. It is a major contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, while about 65-70 % of the population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood.
“Rapid growth for agriculture is extremely important not only to achieve self-reliance at state level but also for household food security and to bring about equity in distribution of income and wealth resulting in reduction of poverty level,” the department said.
In order to enhance the production, a wide range of interaction at the grassroot level between the government and farmers needs to be initiated to identify pros and cons, and also to work out as to how best can be adopted to enhance the production. It is evident that providing machineries and conducting seminars/workshops from the government side alone will not fetch a deserving result unless the farmers develop broader mind and willingness to play an effective role.
Fortunately, Nagaland is blessed with fertile soil and good climate conditions, which is suitable for growing any type of crop. However, the people are yet to realize such potentiality and still pay little interest towards the large scale production.
Now, a time has come to focus on expansion of the area of cultivation taking the advantage of viable climate condition and fertile soil. Generally, in the village level, there is self-sufficiency and even surplus. To ensure the surplus is brought into maximum benefit, one has to embark on developing closer coordination with the APMC. Undoubtedly, there is an advantage for the state of Nagaland to flourish in the export arena following the organic farming system. Organic farming can surely boost the rural economy. The state’s department of agriculture said the demand for organically produced commodities is growing day after day, for which it has initiated certain activities to strengthen organic farming system. The farmers of Nagaland hardly used any chemical fertilizers or plant protection chemicals, it added.
In Nagaland, water is available in plenty in summer while it faces acute shortage in winter. This area needs to be addressed. Proper water storage facilities are the need of the hour for the progress of agricultural activities. Since most of the farmers are from poor background, they face difficulty in building a concrete water storage system. The government needs to assist them to meet such requirement. For instance, some farmers from Kikruma village still continuing the traditional method of water storage for terrace rice cultivation as one can see while passing through NH- 150 along Pfutsero in Phek district.
Except some few places, double cropping is yet to take off in Nagaland. In Southern Angami areas, potato is grown widely in the paddy fields, thereby enhancing the economy of the people. Similar approach needs be adopted by others after assessing the viability. And yes, to translate the goal of food sufficiency by 2020, the responsibility does not solely lies with the government but farmers too have to act as the main contributory role to make it happen.
