Governor Yadav (centre) addresses the gathering during the review meeting of Agriculture department at Lok Bhavan in Kohima on July 28. (Photo: PRO Lok Bhavan)
Kohima, July 28 (MExN): Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on July 28 reviewed the functioning of the Department of Agriculture and stressed the need to strengthen sustainable farming, improve farmers' livelihoods and ensure effective implementation of government schemes across the state.
Chairing a review meeting at Lok Bhavan, the Governor was briefed on the department's organisational structure, ongoing schemes and programmes, achievements, challenges and future plans for the development of the agriculture sector.
Officials said the department is working to improve agricultural productivity, promote sustainable farming practices, strengthen irrigation infrastructure, enhance farm mechanisation and increase farmers' income through various centrally sponsored schemes and state initiatives.
The department informed the Governor that nearly 70% of Nagaland's population is engaged in agriculture, with women accounting for around 65 per cent of the agricultural workforce. It also presented the state's agricultural profile, production targets, cropping intensity and progress achieved under various programmes.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of key schemes, including Krishonnati Yojana, PM-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM), National Mission on Edible Oils, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER), National Mission on Natural Farming, PM-Kisan, Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), Rainfed Area Development and Agroforestry.
Officials also apprised the Governor of progress in expanding oil palm cultivation, promoting organic and natural farming, developing water harvesting infrastructure, supporting farmer training and capacity building, and improving market linkages for agricultural produce.
The meeting also discussed challenges affecting implementation, including fragmented landholdings, inadequate infrastructure, difficult terrain and poor road connectivity, along with measures to address them.
The Governor appreciated the department's efforts in implementing development programmes across the state and urged officials to adopt innovative approaches, strengthen convergence among stakeholders and work towards making agriculture more productive, resilient and market-oriented.
