DIMAPUR, MARCH 30 (DIPR): Parliamentary Secretary for Horticulture, Nyeiwang Konyak is of the view that there is tremendous scope and potentiality for intensive development in the entire NE Region due to its homogenous and diverse agro climactic and geographical conditions. He was addressing a seminar on ‘Emerging Areas of Commercial Interest in North East Region’ at the NE Agri expo 2006 on 30th March.
‘If proper attention is given, the entire region can become the foreign exchange earning bowl of India’, stated Nyeiwang. He however lamented that the region lacks infrastructural facilities, communication and marketing networks besides lack of awareness of technical know-how about various commercial interests. He said that farmers of the region are economically backward as a result of which the farmers cannot afford to invest initial expenditure for development of hi-tech commercial farming which is more expensive but more remunerative.
Nyeiwang said that the region lacked proper and regular marketing, terminal linkage which are essential to exploit the immense potential resources.
Drawing the attention of the various officials from the government of India and the NE States, organizations, Nyeiwang appealed to them to make a note that the entire NE States ‘do require very special attention and consideration for generous assistance in all round developments, especially in the various Agri and Allied activities for the uplift of rural economy in this region.
Nyeiwang stressed on the needs to sensitize production patterns to changing conditions of demands. ‘Marketing aspect shall be thoroughly thought of before preparing commercial production plan’, he added. He also appealed to concerned departments to build up strong extension education network and mass media so that the advance technologies are transferred to the grassroots level with all necessary assistance and package of practices for implementation.
Chairing the proceedings Principal Secretary & APC, Alemtemshi IAS gave a brief account of how the north East Agri Expo was initiated and expressed his awe at the amazing response the Expo has generated with over fifty investors and more than seventy exhibition stalls from the industries sector. He also said that India’s traditional image as a land of teeming hungry millions is being removed as evident from the meeting of heads of states with Indian leaders.
Secretary, Sericulture, Government of Nagaland Tovili Sema delivered the welcome address. Presentation were made by Director, CBTC, Guwahati, Dr. Kamesh Salem on ‘Bamboo for socio-economic upliftment of NER’, Head, Agriculture, Entomology, ICAR, Umiam, Dr. NS Azad Thakur on ‘Bamboo flowering and its implications on environment and rural livelihood’.
Other topics included ‘Honeybee species for commercial apiculture in NER’ by Head, Entomology AAU, Jorhat, Prof. L.K. Hazarika, ‘Up skilled technologies for apiculture in NER’ by Sr. Scientist, Ento. ICAR, Umiam, DR. AN Shylesha, ‘Potentiality of apiculture in NER’ by Reader, GPB, SASRD, NU, Dr. Kigwe Seyie, ‘Floriculture-an emerging trade for poverty elimination in NER’ by MD, Zopar Export, Bangalore, Rajesh Prasad and ‘Technological support for promotion of floriculture in NER’ by Associate Prof, ( Floriculture) AAU, Jorhat, Dr Madhumita C. Talukdar.
.jpg)
