Kohima, October 14 (MExN): As a part of the Governor’s Outreach Programme, meeting cum dinner programme for Farmers of Kohima district was held at Raj Bhavan on October 13.
In his address, Governor PB Acharya said that North East states in general and Nagaland in particular is blessed with favourable climatic conditions for vegetable cultivation. He stressed the need for creating cooperative movement which only can help farmers in marketing their produce. “Producer–Customer link is missing,” the Governor observed.
Organic produce should be marketed in a systematic way to double the income of farmers. He stressed the need to introduce policies to help our farmers. The Governor meanwhile, committed to donate Rs two lakhs to the Kohima Farmer Producers Organisation (FPO) for purchase of pick-up van for transportation of agri produce to markets.
Kohima Farmer Producers Organisation (FPO) President Keghaselie K Kuoku briefed the gathering about the activities of FPO. He also informed that Kohima District is divided into 4 blocks for convenience wherein 85 Self Help Groups are functional for the benefit of farmers. “There are 1091 farmers registered with Kohima District FPO and registered under Cooperative Societies Act in Nagaland.”
He also apprised the gathering present that exposure trips for farmers to other states were sponsored by the Department of Horticulture & Agriculture in the past. “Every year FPO takes part in exhibition cum sales of agri produce during festivals and important functions. This year, 18 progressive farmers of FPO got training in modern nursery management under Skill India Mission at Central Institute of Horticulture, Medziphema,” the president added. He also highlighted the difficulties faced by the farmers in the district especially for transportation and marketing of agricultural produce.
During the meeting, G Ikuto Zhimomi, Director, Agriculture Department and Qhutovi Wotsa, Joint Director, Horticulture also delivered short speeches.
The Director informed the farmers that many welfare projects are in the pipeline for the benefit of farmers and also to double the income of farmers. Earlier, George Abraham, Joint Secretary to Governor delivered the welcome address.
