DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 20 (MExN): School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD), Medziphema celebrated its 16th Annual Freshers Social cum 32nd foundation Day Wednesday, October 20 at its campus. Deputy Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Ralanthung Yanthan graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering at SASRD’s auditorium, the chief guest urged the students to use their learned skills and knowledge towards transforming the agricultural sector of Nagaland. Particularly pointing out Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh, renowned for its agricultural and horticultural produce he challenged: “Why not turn Nagaland into one?”
The former, he said is declared as a ‘horticulture state’; successfully growing and marketing a unique variety of mangoes, famous all over, besides many other fruits. Apples from Himachal need no introduction, he said, while the state is also producing potatoes on a mass scale.
Nagaland is naturally gifted with a varied ‘agro-climatic condition’. These natural conditions can be exploited to grow a wide array of crops and fruits. However, the traditional Naga practice of ‘Jhumming’ or shifting cultivation poses a great challenge in realizing the goal of transforming Nagaland into an agriculturally self-sufficient state, he said. “We’re said to be living in the scientific age, yet we’re still using the traditional methods of cultivation”. “It is high time we evolve a scientific method to replace ‘jhum cultivation’, he called.
He said that a practical and scientific approach is the need of the hour to deal with the prevalent practice of ‘jhuming’. Terming the practice as an ‘evil’ hampering crop production, he said it is the agriculture scientists/students, who must take the lead.
Stating a country’s development is determined by its agricultural productivity, he thus urged the students to apply their knowledge in this direction. Quoting the proverb ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’, he said: “Apply your knowledge…it is your world, you’ve to develop a better world”. In conclusion he wished the students that their endeavours remain ever innovative.
Dr. BP Bhatt, joint director of ICAR, Jharnapani gave the ‘Foundation Day Lecture’. His topic for the lecture was ‘Transformation of Agriculture sector in India – An overview. The ‘Alumni Association, SASRD’ also feted Meba-i-shisha Pani, who topped the B.Sc final examination of 2010. The recipient is originally from Meghalaya and the award was received on her behalf by her uncle. Pani received a cash award of Rs. 10, 000 and citation which was sponsored by the Alumni Association of SASRD.
