Dimapur, April 6 (DIPR): Advisor, Department of Horticulture, Mhathung Yanthan emphasised on the importance of intensive cultivation with minimum space and maximum productivity by using hi-tech farming. He said this during his first visit to the State Horticulture Nursery (SHN) Dimapur on April 6, after taking over as Advisor of the department. Addressing the staffs of SHN and DHO Dimapur, Yanthan exhorted them to give in their best and deliver better services to the people, while in service, so that they do not regret after retirement. He pointed out that the department is fortunate for having 32 hectares of land in a prime location like Dimapur, and encouraged them to fulfill the vision of the department by making it a hub of research centre and a repository of knowledge.
Regretting that many local indigenous crops are on the verge of extinction, Mhathung Yanthan advised them to preserve and promote the wild vegetables and the wild fruits found in Nagaland. Pointing out that farmers in the villages are giving up farming as they do not find it remunerative with no assured market, Yanthan asked the Horticulture officials for in-depth study and introspection.
“Providing them seeds and financial assistance is not the end of your responsibility, motivate and encourage them continuously,” he maintained. He was of the view that Dimapur district ought to be the leading district in terms of production and marketability, considering the favourable climate and geographical proximity to the market. The advisor also asked the department officials to put up proposal for expansion of Central laboratory SHN, as space was found to be very limited in the present lab.
Assuring to address the deficiencies of the department in whatever manner possible, Yanthan encouraged the officers and staffs to join hands together and work collectively in order to bring change in the State. "Let us be creative and innovative and make a new beginning with new thinking and a new approach keeping pace with the changing times," he encouraged.
Director Horticulture, Dr. Elithung, Jt. Director, SHN Dimapur, Imrong, AHO, SHN Alemtemsu, DHO Dimapur, Temsu Longkumer and Horticulture officer SHN, Theja briefed the Advisor on the activities and grievances of the department with regard to Horticulture, to which he assured to look into the matter.
Mhathung Yanthan visited the Hi-Tech Vegetable Seedling Production Unit, Hi-Tech controlled green house, Plant gardening facilities, Warehouse, Central Lab, Mushroom development centre and Green Park at the State Horticulture Nursery, accompanied by the Director Horticulture and department officers.
