DIMAPUR, JANUARY 7 (MExN): Nagaland minister for Health & Family Welfare, Kuzoluzho (Azo) Nienu, has asked potential investors and industries not to be deterred by unfavourable reports of Nagaland state but to boldly come forward and invest in the state.
The minister who was the chief guest at the valedictory function of the two-day regional workshop-cum-training on ‘Marketing of Spices in NER’, which concluded Saturday evening at Police Complex, Chumukedima, assured that the government was trying its best to provide a congenial atmosphere for growth of commerce and industry in the state.
Admitting that ‘taxations’ by various underground groups have proved to be a big hurdle for investment in the state, Azo however encouraged the investors to be bold enough to take the risk and added, “where there is a will, there is a way.”
Beckoning the business houses and investors dealing in spices to open their accounts in Nagaland, Azo said that Naga farmers can be trusted to deliver the goods as they are most reliable, trusted and sincere.
On the road- map for enhancing production and marketing of spices in the NE Region, the minster suggested building up of a healthy relationship and strengthening of bond among all seven sister states so that commerce and business can thrive in the region based on trust.
The minister also stressed on the need for Nagas to change their mind set –from that of easy living and easy going people to hardworking and dedicated people if they want to succeed in business.
“We (Nagas) want everything to be delivered at our door steps. It’s high time that you (Naga farmers and entrepreneurs) should go seek buyers and even transport your goods outside the state if you want to sell your products. Don’t wait upon buyers to come to you,” Azo advised.
Resource persons, growers, entrepreneurs/buyers and officials of the National Horticulture Board, State Horticulture department and others who also shared their experiences of the workshop, all agreed that the workshop was a “grand success” and that it would go a long way in promoting NE Region as a region of spices.
Director of Central Institute of Horticulture, Nagaland, Dr. Akali Sema, chaired the valedictory function.
A panel discussion held in the afternoon also came out with a draft resolution to draw a road map of spice marketing in the NE region.
