Dr Asangba Tzüdir
In context, for some time until now, the word ‘Negative’ was the most positive word. However, with COVID-19 positive cases reported besides the unwanted positive word, the scenario has changed. It was bound to happen though at the right time after the installation of the testing lab in Kohima which has enabled taking immediate precautionary measures and contact tracing to control the spike. There is no reason to panic if everyone follows the real SOP’s for it is no more a mock drill.
Now with the COVID-19 induced global situation at hand, a pertinent challenge is the issue of food security. Recent announcements by some countries that are initiating export restrictions of food products or reviewing food products are indicators of global existential crisis. Though FAO have publicly said that there are enough stocks globally especially of staples like Rice and Wheat for the rest of 2020, however such status is conditioned by export restrictions.
The COVID-19 pandemic situation, besides the global climatic changes affecting the agricultural cycle, and also the swarms of locusts invading different parts of the world and India adds surmounting pressure to the challenges of food security, and calls for focused attention to deal with it. The latest locust attacks threaten crop damage in 17 UP districts which is the third state after Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. With this latest attack, the Country’s food security is at stake.
In Nagaland, the COVID-19 has once again provided us an opportunity to take a leap towards building a robust food security from the ‘dependency syndrome.’ The situation has retriggered the Naga conscience that we really need to go back to primary economic sector mainly agricultural farming and livestock, and which demands advanced methods of farming. Besides, importance can be given to animal husbandry, horticulture and fishery on a larger scale to meet the high levels of consumption in the state. Considering the small population, if this is done from now, Nagaland can be saved from the aftereffects of COVID-19 and other pandemics and thereby reinvigorate not just the economic condition but also the food security and the question of livelihood.
Having said that, one neglected aspect of food security is the aspect of production and storage of food, which goes beyond the question of profit and loss, because certain situations like the current pandemic and severe famines may leave people with money but no food to buy. So the primary aspect is whether food is produced, stored and made available. How much it costs is secondary.
The question of food production and storage has become a very pertinent concern. There are many discouraging factors for farmers and this is where a strong support system needs to be in place. The hands of the government needs to hold up the support mechanism starting from procuring seeds, manure and pesticides, and building infrastructure for cold storage, besides providing subsidies which will largely encourage farmers. Research is another important component towards building a robust food production and food security chain in Nagaland.
In addition, the Government should further initiate radio and video programmes on advanced methods of farming and its associated knowledge and technicalities. The current situation demands the need of preparing for food security, and time is now if Nagaland wants to be saved from the aftereffects of COVID-19 pandemic starting from price rise and food shortage.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to the Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com
