‘More responsibility for Agri dept after Corona’

APC and Commissioner & Secretary, Agriculture, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS addressing department officers in Kohima on July 9.

APC and Commissioner & Secretary, Agriculture, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS addressing department officers in Kohima on July 9.

APC Kikheto holds maiden meet with Department

 

Morung Express News
Kohima | July 9


Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) and Commissioner & Secretary, Agriculture, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS said agri and allied department is now being vested with more responsibilities since Corona had hugely affected the economy world over including the state. “Agriculture is the mainstay of our state and we can stop everything but not agriculture and allied.  That is why even during lockdown agricultural activities were relaxed,” he added. 


He was addressing the first coordination meeting with officers of the Department of Agriculture at its Directorate in Kohima on Thursday after being relieved of his responsibility in Dimapur lasting three months. In order to maintain satisfactory social distance, the meeting was held with only Deputy Director and above ranking officers.


Kikheto said that around 18,000 returnees have reached the state leaving behind their jobs outside and we have to work out strategies on how to engage them to earn livelihood. He said this was the reason why agri and allied department have to think out of the box to deliver goods to the people and exhibit itself as a result oriented and effective department.


“Agriculture is the mother of all its allied departments and so Agri Department shoulders the bigger responsibility but we should all work together. There should be convergence of mind, projects, resources etc and create more awareness,” he added. The APC called for a change in mindset post Corona since the Department earlier used to think and work for the welfare of the farmers alone but with thousands of returnees in state now, there was a need to strategize ways and means to attract them to the agri and allied activities for a sustainable life. 


Kikheto also underlined the importance of stopping import of livestock stating that the Naga people might initially struggle but it will eventually benefit all if the people take up such entrepreneurships.


The APC urged senior officers who would be retiring within few years to contribute something tangible to the society by rendering their sincere services which would be remembered by the people.


“You have technical knowledge, so work out and plan accordingly for the rural people,” he said but, however, added that the ancient agricultural technique and practice of our forefathers also needs to be incorporated with technical knowledge for effective result.


Kikheto informed that he would soon be having a joint meeting with agri and allied departments and added that although agri is the parent department almost all activities have gone to the allied departments and emphasized on joint working relationship like that of parent-children for the well being of the family. He pointed out that nowhere in the country had departments being bifurcated in many numbers like Nagaland but added results can still be achieved by sincere convergence.


He stressed on more of field activity rather than countless office meetings when it comes to agricultural activities.


Director of Agriculture, M. Ben Yanthan in his welcome address expressed happiness that an efficient officer in the person of Kikheto had been transferred to head the Department and was optimistic that greater heights would be scaled under his leadership.


Joint Director, Agriculture, Planning, Letkholal Hangshing presented power point presentation during the programme.