Nagaland APC Y Kikheto Sema addressing the North East Food Processors meet at Hotel De Oriental Grand, Kohima on July 22. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 22
Even as numerous programmes and policies are devised by the ministry towards sustainable agriculture, most of them ended up ‘not viable and feasible’ for the Northeast region.
This view was shared by Y Kikheto Sema, Principal Secretary & Agriculture Production Commissioner during the North East Food Processors meet held at Hotel De Oriental Grand, Kohima on July 22.
Sema observed that though the northeast region, particularly Nagaland, is blessed with various agro-climatic conditions; most of the time such policies and programmes don’t favour the NE region due to its typical geographical conditions.
Nonetheless, he said, ‘this concern has been sounded with the ministry to devise policies in the future visualising the topographical settings of the region which would be viable for the region.’
“Although that there is a huge scope in agro-based production in the state of Nagaland, as there is no scope for other large and medium scale industries in the state, and the only hope is agro-based industry,” it was observed.
However, he also pointed out some challenges like the peculiar land holding system, traditional system of agriculture which is not economically viable and sustainable, lack of modern technology etc.
Sema also emphasised on the importance of a joint concerted effort between the allied departments towards sustainable agriculture in the state, thereby achieving food security.
While urging the bankers not to shy away from coming forward to help the young entrepreneurs in the state, he asked the financial institutions to create awareness on the availability of schemes and on how to avail various loans.
Citing linkages to main markets and post harvest management as big challenges, he urged the people to visualise the challenges and work together on how to address these grey areas.
The programme was organised under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries by the Indian Chamber of Commerce with a view to have a practical understanding of what is happening in the food processing industry.
It also aims to create awareness on the process on how loans can be availed and the various government schemes in the various departments.
The inaugural programme was followed a session on government and banking schemes, round table session on opportunities in food processing sector with low cost and efficient technology, interactions and business meeting.
