Morung Express News
DIMAPUR | JUNE 25
Making a renewed call for food self-sufficiency and food security, chief minister Neiphiu Rio today said that Nagaland has still a long way to go to achieve “self-sufficiency” as per Vision 2020.
“Seventy percent of the state’s population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities but the food production is not enough to feed even half the population,” the chief minister said and added that Nagaland is yet to shake off the “consumer society” tag. Rio who inaugurated the Nagaland State Agricultural Marketing Board (NSAMB) office-cum-market complex and Agronag Centre here at 4th Mile, in his address said concerted efforts was needed to make Nagaland self-sufficient in food production and an exporter of food products.
He said that though the GDP growth rate of Nagaland state showed 9%, the state is able to garner only 100 metric tones of food produce as against 600 metric tones required to market its produce outside the state.
Stressing on DAN government’s initiatives and programmes including “Year of farmers” (2006 & 2007) and “Year of entrepreneurs” (2010) to make Nagaland self-sufficient, the chief minister said that Agri and allied sectors hold the biggest potential in the state. He however noted that many of the Agriculture Product Marketing Committees (APMC) established in all districts to facilitate farmers to market their products were “not functioning well.”
Ruling out large scale industrialization in Nagaland for the moment due to shortage of raw materials, man power, technical expertise and others, Rio said people should concentrate more on how to develop and market the agri potential and rich natural resources in the state to boost the economy.
Among others, he suggested upgradation of traditional farming system and introduction of modern farming system, shift in land holding pattern and converting plantation areas into agriculture land.
Advising farmers not to dabble in varied agriculture activities but rather engaged themselves fully in production of their choice crops, he also said farmers should give up the Naga mentality of always searching for quick profit and short term gains.
Agriculture minister and NSAMB chairman, Dr. Chumben Murry, who chaired the programme said that much needs to be done as although the state has great potential in agriculture, especially organic farming, yet the farming system was not market friendly. The minister also announced that NSAMB will be introducing a performance related incentive scheme (PRIS) to be awarded to performing APMCs.
Highlighting the activities of the government in the agri sector, APC and principal secretary, HK Khullu, in speech said that Naga people should also change their “subsidy mentality to self-reliance.” Parliamentary secretary for Horticulture, R Khing, also dwelled on the activities of the horticulture department.
Member secretary, NSAMB, gave a report on NSAMB complex and Agronag and director, Agriculture, AY Ovung proposed vote of thanks.
Constituted in 2003, the main mission of NSAMB is to develop modern regulatory marketing system of agricultural marketing along with market infrastructural development in the state. NSAMB is also the apex body for providing effective administration, co-ordination of various market committees and as an advisory board to the state government in matters relating to the development of agricultural marketing in the state.
The objective of Agronag (Integrated Agriculture Nagaland) is to provide professional training to the educated un-employed youth on post-harvest management like value addition, processing, grading, packaging, labeling and market management of agro products.
.jpg)
