‘Agripreneurs Conclave’ organised by Pro Rural in collaboration with Quest Alliance, Bengaluru held at Ngam village in the Nsong Circle of Peren district.
Ngam Village, February 28 (MExN): A two-day ‘Agripreneurs Conclave’ organised by Pro Rural in collaboration with Quest Alliance, Bengaluru was held at Ngam village in the Nsong Circle of Peren district. The conclave was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner, Peren district, Hiazu Meru as the chief guest on February 26.
Highlighting Peren district’s agricultural potential, the DC encouraged the community to open up to the opportunities unfolding through agriculture related activities, stated a press release received here.
The DC Peren highlighted that in the education sector, enrollment rates are declining, and infrastructure in government schools and the districts’ only college needs urgent attention. Meru emphasised the importance of officials and village councils working together to build proper facilities through convergence initiatives. He cited the adoption of Government Primary School, New Peren, by his office as an example.
Meru also underlined that the district suffers from inadequate medical infrastructure and a lack of proper facilities for doctors, nurses, and health workers. He stressed the need for treatment protocols, departmental adoption of hospitals and health centers, and the introduction of mobile health clinics. He appreciated Pro Rural’s Health Out-reach and ambulance service, which is benefiting several villages.
While agriculture remains the district’s strength, it was stated that the community struggles with market linkage. Meru pointed out that despite major markets in Dimapur and Kohima, progress has been slow due to a lack of information, training, proper planning and absence of work ethic. He outlined initiatives such as the Green Peren branding by the Agriculture Department, planned outlets in Jalukie, and the Bamboo Mission’s market complex at Police Complex, Jalukie. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to focus on value addition, packaging, and obtaining fast-track FSSAI certification.
The DC Peren emphasised the need for unity within the community and discouraged the selling of land. He urged NGOs, government departments, and the community to work collectively for the holistic development of Peren District.
Earlier, Paul Lokho, Director of Pro Rural said the programme has been planned as part of an inclusive programming for rural communities as often all opportunity goes to people of urban areas, neglecting the rural communities. He noted that Ngam village was chosen as the venue due to its strategic location at the border of Manipur and Assam, and its potential to showcase such programs in remote regions. The conclave aimed at providing more insights to young farmers and Community Resource Persons (CRPs), to consolidate their learning, and introduce them to the Green Initiative of Quest Alliance’s Skills to Succeed programme.
Joshila, CEO of Farmers Producer Organization (FPO) formed under Pro Rural-NABARD partnership, presented details of Pro Rural’s initiatives in Peren district.
Speeches were delivered by Lesehu Meru, Senior Regional Coordinator of CASA; Vahnei Singson, Program Coordinator of Youth Program (Northeast Region) at Quest Alliance; and Avonuo Kire, EAC of Nsong Circle.
