Kohima APMC office-cum-Market Yard inaugurated

Government is trying to revive APMC in Nagaland: Mhathung Yanthan

Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 12 

Nagaland Agriculture advisor Mhathung Yanthan today inaugurated Kohima Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) office-cum-Market Yard at Upper PWD, near NSF Martyrs’ Park, Kohima.

Addressing the gathering, Yanthan said that the state government was trying to revive APMC in the state.

Presently, there are of 22 APMC across the state. However, most of the APMC which were started in 2005, failed to get the desired result, he regretted.

“We have to give seriousness,” Yanthan said, adding that the poor performance could be on the ground of lack of infrastructure, lack of capital, lack of commitment and sincerity.

The Advisor informed that the Act relating Nagaland State Agricultural Marketing Board was amended in 2020 and the related Rule has been framed and tabled in the recent Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) session.

Now, the Rule is to be applied, he said.

For Nagas, the Advisor said, we undertake any type of enterprise with great enthusiasm in the initial stage but fail to maintain consistency.

“We are only concern for short term benefit and rarely think about long term benefit, he said.

Congratulating Kohima APMC for coming up with Market Yard facility, Yanthan was optimistic that a lot of impact will be emerged from there and lead to economic growth of the state.

Thanking them for keeping APMC alive, he said “Please give your best effort and be a good role model for others. I want Kohima APMC to lead the way” he said.     

‘We need cash economy’
Stating that agriculture is the backbone of the state economy, Yanthan said that 70% of the state population engage in farming.

He stressed on the need to put a collective effort to support the farmers to increase the productivity including market linkages.

“We must all work together to help improve the livelihood of the farmers,” he said.

Stating that a sea change has taken place today in the agricultural sector, he stressed on the need to get acquainted with modern technology.

“We need cash economy,” he said and called for connecting producers with consumers.

“Let them (Farmers) produce more and whatever they produce should be linked to market,” he said.

“I assure you of our department’s support and cooperation at all time,” Yanthan told the farming community.

N. Jacob Yanthan, MD-cum-CEO Nagaland State Agricultural Produce Livestock & Marketing Board (NSAPLMB) also spoke at the programme.

The programme was chaired by Kohima APMC chairperson Kevinourheno Seyie while vote of thanks was proposed by Kohima APMC secretary Tiamenla Jamir.

Mhalevilie Yongo, pastor Victory Church Kohima pronounced dedicatory prayer.

Wezope Kenye, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Nagaland and other officials from Department of Agriculture also present at the programme.

Mentionably,  Kohima APMC Market Yard has been created within provisions necessitated by NSAPLMB and it will deal organic products, souvenir items, snacks, juice, livestock etc.

This daily market will operate from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.