Yupangnenla Longkumer
Dimapur | September 18
The Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio stressed that policies or programmes suitable for Nagas should be implemented rather than executing every programme proposed by the Centre. He said this today while addressing the gathering at the World Bamboo Day programme held at Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre in Dimapur.
He confessed that many a time he had suggested to his colleagues not to bring all the programmes that are available with the Government of India. However, to focus only on those programmes that are suitable for Nagaland. When farmers are made to experiment with too many programmes, it has been found that not much progress has been made. “…we have to specialize in the chosen discipline profession so that people know us, people recognize our trademark, people recognize our brand.”
The CM also said India being a third world country, too many opportunities are given to the people and therefore people have too many to choose. “…when you have too many to choose, you cannot settle down on any specific discipline to get specialization and when you are not concentrating on one particular discipline, you cannot upgrade, specialize or promote and get recognition. Like a rolling stone gather no moss.”
Rio also commented that Nagas live in an educated society having more than 80 % literacy but it does not mean Nagas are civilized. “We are educated but we are yet to be fully civilized and therefore we have to be very careful in our approaches.”
Emphasizing on bamboo utility, Rio said bamboo, also known as green gold is one resource which will benefit poor farmers of the State. He said a farmer has to wait for 40 to 50 years to harvest the tress he has planted.
However, in the case of bamboo, it takes only 3 to 4 years for harvesting. “The gestation period is short, regeneration is tremendous and it can replace the demand for wood and timber. And our soil condition is so suitable that it grows by itself, if you give little interest and care that will be enough to elevate the poverty in our society.”
The chief minister also said that Naga entrepreneurs need to be consistent in what they are doing instead of shifting from one to another. “Nagas are good but many a time good at one go. They keep on shifting their mind, their idea... thinking that it is more profitable than the other. I tell you in this world all the businesses are profitable. Too many opportunities are there so you have to choose. Keep consistency, concentrate, and focus then you will be recognized and be somebody one day.”
He also called upon the people to make use of the opportunities given by Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency, stating that it has the best resources to train and develop entrepreneurs. “Come forward, avail the opportunities and be successful. If you are successful, the mission is successful. If you are successful then the state is successful. In that way one by one we will build up our economy.”
Commenting on economy of Nagaland, he said: “…49 yrs of statehood we are still consumer society. It’s high time we become a producing society too. I want to see that articles labeled with Made in Nagaland, It is high time, how long can we be a parasite. So this bamboo mission is one mission, which has thrown challenges to the young entrepreneurs to come forward and take the opportunity.”
He also urged that a species of bamboo be named after MLA L Temjen Jamir, who is the Advisor to Bamboo Mission, adding that he is proud of Bamboo Mission and whatever it has achieved. “I hope our society will make the best of the wonder plant – bamboo.”
