Possibility of reviving Longnak canning factory in deliberation
Commissioner & Secretary Horticulture, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS accompanied by other officers visiting the Fruit Canning Factory at Longnak on Monday. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 13
State run Fruit Canning Factory at Longnak, Changki under Mokokchung district has been lying non-functional since 2004 owing to various reasons.
The factory started functioning in 1972 and capacity of the factory is 250 metric tonne of finished product per year.
Commissioner & Secretary, Horticulture, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS on Monday visited the Factory where the possibility of reviving the factory was discussed. However, the employees indicated that reviving the factory for canned bamboo shoot on trial basis would be feasible rather reviving than the entire fruit canning factory at first. Reviving the canned bamboo shoot was agreed in principle.
He observed that most of the major components of the factory need to be replaced and wondered whether the Department would be able to make the factory function effectively. In this regard, Kikehto said he would make a detailed study with the officers of the Department.
He also noted that the fruit trees in the orchard have become very old and called for exploring other additional fruit trees which would be feasible in the farm.
Kikheto also expressed concern at the rampant coal extraction in the area which not only affects the Farm but people living downstream. He appealed for a systematic coal extraction to reduce the hazardous effects of mining.
He also visited the Progeny Orchard Farm, the land for which was donated by Changki village in 1964. The Farm has a total area of 155 acres. The officer said he was impressed that no land encroachment in the farm has taken place all these years since the land was donated. He said this should be a model for others in different parts of the state.
The Commissioner & Secretary was accompanied by Meyasashi, Deputy Director, Horticulture and incharge of Fruit Canning Factory, Longnak; Kilemsangba, District Horticulture Officer, Mokokchung and staff.
