Nagaland team attends North East Regional Conference on Transformation of Indian Agriculture
Dimapur, August 2 (MExN): Officials from Nagaland led by Commissioner & Secretary, Land Resources Department, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS attended a day-long North East Regional Conference on Transformation of Indian Agriculture at Hotel Radisson Blu, Guwahati on August 2.
The Nagaland team included Director LRD, T. Renben Lotha; Additional Secretary, Agriculture Department, Temsunaro Aier and Joint Director, Agriculture Department, Letkholal Hangsing, stated a press release received here.
Speaking at the conference, Kikheto pointed out that the Indian Himalayan Region particularly North Eastern states were endowed with rich natural resources thereby contributing maximum ecological services to the country.
He was of the opinion that agriculture development plan should be drawn up in such a way that it continues to ensure functional ecological economy to protect and conserve the existent natural ecosystem productivity.
He talked about the requirement of water-based planning, application of GIS and space technology and to guide the farmers in the best possible ways.
He also spoke on the need to sincerely work on convergence since most of the departments and states were working only for themselves with ‘I’ syndrome. He said the feeling of ‘we’ should be inculcated by all departments and states. Kikheto said it is time for NE to come together and forge common goal instead of trying to stead alone.
Pointing out the need for year-long water availability for agricultural activities, he said resources should be explored to make more water resources and not only use the existent resources. “Most of the rivers and springs are drying up and there is an urgent need for rejuvenation of springshed,” he said.
While the topic on exports is often discussed, most of the states especially in NE do not undertake food budgeting exercise, he noted. Kikheto was of the opinion that the states should first identify shortfall of food items and surplus as well. Through food budgeting, we should work towards how to minimize the import of food and sustainability within our states and region. He said every state should works towards identifying their own uniqueness as to which crop/s were best suited to the climatic conditions. He cited an example with Nagaland state which has started exporting coffee in the international market and even reached South Africa.
On capacity building, Kikheto said farm demonstrations were required to encourage local entrepreneurs to take ancillary activities which is economically viable, ecologically sustainable and create employment opportunities since there is no scope of large and medium scale industries.
Agriculture Production Commissioners of the NE States and Directors of agro and allied departments also attended the conference.
On the occasion, Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh delivered the welcome address while the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh cum Member High Power Committee on Transforming Indian Agriculture, Chief Minister Assam and Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, AHV&DD & Fisheries also addressed the gathering.
Ranjit Borthakur, Chairman, NE Regional Advisory Council, FICCI delivered the opening remarks.
