Chizokho Vero
Kohima | September 27
In a major boost to Naga chilli growers for commercial production, one of indian biggest corporate entities - Indian Tobacco Company (ITC) Limited today sounded its willingness to sign MoU with the State government and the farmers after addressing the possibility, commitment and confidence within the trio. However, it is not immediately known when the signing of MoU would take place.
ITC Limited Vice President Exports, Ninad Bhosle stated that the company was willing to sign MoU after observing all the possibilities and formality.
He told media persons on the sidelines of one day “Workshop for Self Help Groups of Kohima, Mon and Peren districts under Women Development Programme on Cultivation and Marketing of Naga Mircha” that the company wanted to focus on the commercial angle in a big way viewing the viability of chilli cultivation in Nagaland.
Stating that a new beginning has emerged, he was optimistic that a lot of things can be done in the state in an organized way. He assured to buy all the produce to the extent of providing technical support to growers.
At the moment, the company prefers dry chilli. They will be requiring the minimum quantity of hundred tons; thereafter it should touch the thousand mark depending on the increase in production.
Commissioner and Secretary Horticulture Thangi Mannen also urged upon the chilli growers to go for larger scale production and at the same time, stressed on the need to build effective partnership between the government, ITC and farmers.
She also cited government intervention in production, shift in the cultivation methods, change in the mindset of growers, partnership commitment and business ethics and value addition activities as the crucial areas. Naga chilli has been registered as the hottest, hotter than Mexican chilies with a distinctive favour and aromatic. Presently, commercial production of Naga chilli is low in the state. It caters to local demand only. Mon, Kohima and Peren district have been identified as the main growing districts in Nagaland.
Recently, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was quoted as saying “Our Naga King Chilli will be patented as an indigenous product of the state and ITC will be our partner in marketing the chilly.”
Morung Express News
