Dimapur, January 23 (DIPR): Additional Secretary, DAC & FW, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer's Welfare, Government of India, Jalaj Shrivastava, IAS on January 23 inaugurated a Hi-Tech Vegetable Seedlings Production Unit at State Horticulture Nursery, Dimapur.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, Shrivastava called on the gathering to be proactive to cope with variation of seasons and weather patterns. Products have to be good he said, adding that prices of the commodities should at the same time be affordable. He impressed the gathering of the importance of post-harvest management and packaging.
The state is doing relatively well in Horti sector and farmers have been earning a lot besides the many success stories through the implementation of Technology Mission Programmes under the Ministry of Agriculture, said Director Horticulture, Dr. R. Elithung Lotha, delivering the keynote address. Nagaland has the potential of exporting organic produces he said, pointing that many buyers have expressed and shown interest in the same.
Dimapur having a population of over 3-4 lakhs, Elithung said the demand for vegetables and fruits are high. He pointed on the importance of having such a Unit to produce quality planting materials to meet the demands. He also apprised of the Department’s plan to send officers and young educated youths with interest in horticulture sector for Skill Development training to run the Unit on a Public-Private Partnership mode.
The Hi-Tech Vegetable Seedlings Production Unit at State Horticulture Nursery, Dimapur was constructed at the cost of 2 Crore by Saveer Company. Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Alan Gonmei, IAS, chaired the inaugural programme. Deputy Director, Horticulture, Jerry Patton, pronounced the vote of thanks.
