Dimapur May 5 (MExN): The Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, on May 1 held a review meeting at New Delhi to deliberate on various matter pertaining to the recently held North East Agri-Expo at Dimapur, held from March 27 till the 31st, and discussed what follow-up action should be taken in regard to sustaining the process.
“The meeting discussed what follow-up action should be taken, what action has been taken as well as the initiatives of the state and Central government in regard to the event” Nagaland Chief Secretary Lalhuma who was also attended the Review meeting said. According to the Chief Secretary, the review also took into account the role played by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), the organizers of the North East Agri-Expo. “The meeting was mainly to review and assess the response of investors, whether they would invest in Nagaland or not as well as which participating state evoked a good response” Lalhuma said. To a query if any concrete decisions were taken, the Chief Secretary although declining to give any details, said the meeting was just for review and mainly decided for more follow-up action. The meeting was reportedly chaired by Principal Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir and included officials of the Union Agriculture Ministry, members of the CII and allied officials.
Meanwhile the Government of Nagaland, acting on its assurance to pursue permanency of the North East Agri-Expo, is preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) involving “a couple of crores”, which, if approved by the Union Ministry of Agriculture, would instate the Expo as a permanent affair in Nagaland. “Definitely, there is a plan to make it an annual affair. However, it entails much investment. A DPR is being prepared” a highly-placed state official closely associated with the North East Agri-Expo organizing committee informed over phone recently. When contacted, Chief Secretary Lalhuma confirmed that the state government was pursuing making the event permanent. “A DPR is being deliberated. But the land has to be developed, facilities improved, hotels and accommodation improved, roads constructed and more features and facilities have to be added” Lalhuma said. He further informed that the government was keeping in touch with the Agriculture ministry and exploring assistance from the DONER Ministry as well since it would entail accruement of huge resources.
However, he said the government would let the site be. “The structures would not be dismantled but improved and built. They can be used for other events and programmes under different themes like flowers, handicrafts, book fairs, and not only agriculture-related” Lalhuma said adding that it would be more of an event site even if it cannot specifically be for North East Expo in the case the state government’s dream goes unfulfilled.
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