Morung Express
Dimapur | March 29
Keeping in mind the potentialities of improving livelihood through popular adoption of horticulture in the North East Region, a seminar on ‘Opportunities of Horticulture in North Eastern Region’ was conducted today as part of the North East Agri-Expo proceedings. The seminar was held with a view to give farmers the opportunity to have better understanding of post-harvest technology and value addition of their produce, so that their produce can compete in the world trade, according to the concept note on the seminar.
Speaking as chief guest, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said, “It is now time to look ahead and usher in a golden era through the horticulture department.” While saying that governments should be ready to aid farmers when need arises, he was quick to add that government efforts have to be supplemented by support from the private sector, especially the corporate sector and co-operatives. He also sought the active participation of NGOs. Further, Rio said farmers need to form their own unions to improve their condition as is done in other states of the country. He said that the thrust areas for horticulture development in the region should be to increase the area of cultivation as well as productivity, particularly fruits, spices, vegetables, flowers, mushrooms, cashew, medicinal and aromatic plants.
With prospects of agriculture now opening up, Rio said the region could take advantage of productivity and overtake other regions in this sector.
President of the Horticulture Society of India, KL Chadha said Nagaland should take advantage of the window of opportunity facing it now. He said concentration should be applied to high value crops such as vanilla and litchi which yield more productivity by taking up less land. On the horticulture scene in the region, he said Mizoram ranks first.
Farmer speak
Adani, a manager of a fruit plant located at Senapati district said the Expo had helped him immensely in terms of gathering information and expertise. The most important input is the gaining of knowledge on systematic and improved cultivation which can help increase productivity, he said. He said he had profited by meeting experts engaged in the horticulture sector.
Chumlongse, who owns a registered orange and passion fruit nursery in Kiphire, said the Expo had contributed to his experience as a farmer. He said he would study the contents of the brochures he has collected at the fair and then impart the knowledge to other farmers in his area.
Kiuschuba Yimchunger of Tuensang echoed along the same lines. The orange, banana and ginger cultivator said he had studied in-depth the various methods of crop productivity which would prove fruitful for him.
A visitor to the Expo was of the view that school children from across the district should be taken on an educational trip to the fair as it would be very informative for them.
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