KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 26 (MExN): The Department of Horticulture organised a program under the theme “Bridging the gap towards sustainable horticulture in Nagaland” under the patronage of Governor, PB Acharya on September 24 at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.
A press release informed that the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDHC) is a centrally sponsored scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushroom, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo. MIDH will work closely with National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) towards development of micro-irrigation for all Horticulture crops and protected cultivation in farmer’s field.
Governor, PB Acharya, in his brief address, said that India is a land of villages and is an agricultural country, where 68 to 70% of total population is in agricultural sector. Acharya also appealed to all to change their mindset, be responsible, be a true Christian and ask oneself whether they are doing the right thing.
He further said India produces 3,00,000 graduates every year but many are not employable; therefore, he said universities should provide education which will help the State to create wealth and empowerment and also see that young people are taught to be giver of jobs rather than job seekers.
Principal Secretary(Horti) MK Mero, in his keynote address, informed that the Horticulture Department over the years has introduced new schemes and horticulture technology has spreaded across the state.Sixteen departmental farm has help achieved in bringing fruits and flowers into commercial scale production.
He lamented that within few years time, they will be facing the problem of marketing; being a hilly area transportation of big trucks is a problem and also domestic cargo facility is not available exporting to other states will be a big issue.
He also pointed that there are several schemes under the National Board of Horticulture, but Nagaland State cannot avail much of the schemes due to fund constraints as for the last 10 to 11 years only Rs. 1 crore was sanctioned for Nagaland. He believed that there will soon be a possibility of availing 50% grants and organic chain value.
Atul R. Patwardhan from Chindamani Consultancy & Services, in his address, highlighted the various subsidy schemes under National Horticulture Board and on how to avail the schemes. He briefed on planting materials, where farmers in order to get any good produce should use virus free and healthy plants for purchase. He further encouraged farmers to complete the project within the certain norms set by the government.
