APC Y Kikheto Sema, IAS and officials during their visit to Boke Botsa for spot verification of Naga Model Integrated Settled Farming (N-ISF) on November 7.
Kohima, November 7 (MExN): Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) and Commissioner & Secretary to Government of Nagaland Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, visited Boke Botsa for spot verification of Naga Model Integrated Settled Farming (N-ISF) on November 7.
During the visit, the APC stressed that the Integrated Settled Farming at Boke Botsa would serve as a model and will be replicated in all the districts eventually. With this system of farming the state can achieve self sufficiency and discourage import of rice, vegetables, fish and meat.
He stated that there is no specific fund to start with, “but we are going ahead by faith as it is a need base.” He appealed to the community that they should not depend on Government alone but they should also come forward and contribute their share for the success of the project.
During interaction with Botsa village elders, farmers and the officers accompanying him, he stated the purpose of the visit is to improve existing traditional farming to a sustainable farming.
While stressing that, he said, “Although we cannot stop the traditional methods of jhum, terrace cultivation, which may not be economically viable nor ecologically sustainable, however we cannot stop it as it is being practice time immemorial.”
He stated that looking at the present situation of the world, there could be food pandemic sooner or later and hence, “we need to prepare ourselves for self sufficiency where Integrated Settle Farming is of utmost importance.”
Keeping this in mind, the APC said that Integrated Settled Farming should be undertaken in all feasible areas so that various activities under agri and allied departments can be taken up in clusters approach. Wherein, fisheries, piggery, duckery, poultry, etc along with terrace paddy cultivation, intercropping with various crops, vegetables and fruits etc and ensure productivity throughout the year.
This would encourage educated unemployed youth and retired employees to go back to rural areas for undertaking settled farming by utilization the land to its fullest potential for production in a sustainable manner. These clusters will be further form into Farmers Producer Organization (FPO) for post harvest value chain to the nearest market.
Thus, this Naga Model Integrated Settle Farming will turn into a business model and also pave a way for Agro-Eco Tourism. This will also give avenue for migration of urban people back to the rural for their livelihood, he stated.
The ACP stated that GPS mapping of the area being taken by the GIS Cell and for which Agri & allied departments will have to prepare action plan for early implementation of Naga Model Integrated Settle Farming starting from Boke Botsa.
The APC was accompanied by the HoDs, Officers of Directorate and District Offices from Agriculture, Horticulture, Land Resources, Fisheries, Soil conservation, Water Resources, Veterinary and also Project Director GIS. The Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, KD Vizo was also a part of the entourage.
