Union Minister of State, BL Verma and Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio during the inauguration of the ‘Naturally Nagaland’ exhibition at the NE Agri Expo on May 2.
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | May 2
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, on May 2, said that Nagaland and the North East’s potential lies in the agri and allied sectors, while calling for the educated unemployed to foray into these avenues.
The lands are fertile, mother Earth can sustain the region, and the agri and allied sectors can lead the way, he stressed, while addressing the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, commemorating 75 years of India’s independence under the theme ‘Monetizing Agri- Horti and Organic Potentials of North East through Value Chain Development.’
The two-day event, including an agri-horti exhibition on the sidelines, is being organised by the Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), Government of Nagaland at the North East Agri Expo site in Chümoukedima.
Rio noted that in recent years, Nagaland has been exporting various ‘exotic’ goods such as kiwis, dragon fruits, persimmon etc, but could not meet the demand due to low production. While encouraging farming, the CM said that the state has the advantage of having no ‘landless people’ while in recent times soil testing facilities have been made available in all blocks, allowing one to cultivate the most suitable food items.
Hence, educated unemployed, led by those in the agri and allied sectors should farm in all altitudes, he said. Take up progressive farming, and those who cannot can involve in marketing the products, he exhorted. To augment the same, he urged for creating agri-link roads under the Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North-East (PM-DevINE).
The CM meanwhile noted that quality control and consistent production should be the mantras to unlock the potential for self-sufficiency and surplus production for export. “It cannot be a part-time job,” Rio underscored. “Leave politics to politicians, everyone should be speaking about the economy,” he declared.
The Chief Minister based his arguments on several developments in recent times, including COVID-19 and the lockdown associated with the pandemic, sporadic weather as well as the recent Ukraine-Russia crisis, which among others, has taken the world to a situation of food crisis.
On climate change, he noted that Nagaland was in a drought-like situation last year; while this year, it is experiencing unusual rainfall since January. I hope this year will be better, he said.
“If we get the seed, instead of the fruit, the state would be stuck in a vicious circle of poverty,” the CM said, while trying his hand in Hindi, the language incidentally chosen by the Union Minister of State for DONER and Cooperation, BL Verma in his address earlier.
Rio also lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom the former stated has special care for those in the grassroots such as farmers, and has a soft corner for the NE. He also saluted the pioneers and leaders over the years for making India one of the top powers in the world.
My perception of NE has changed: MoS Verma
Addressing the gathering as the special guest, Minister of State (MoS) for DONER and Cooperation, BL Verma pointed out that 10% of the country's budget was being allocated to the North East States.
As per a DIPR report, he observed that the NE has massive potential, especially in the agri and allied sectors and reiterated that PM Modi was serious about developing the region.
He further noted that although many people have negative impressions about the region, his perceptions changed after visiting the NE states, including Nagaland.
"People with health issues should come to Nagaland as it provides healthy and peaceful environment, good and fresh air, organic fruits, vegetables and tea,” he maintained.
He meanwhile emphasized on the need for cold storage facilities and warehouses, while assuring to apprise the PM about the grievances shared by the Nagaland Agriculture Minister.
Give us reasonable support: Kaito Aye
Earlier, Nagaland Minister for Agriculture and Cooperation, G Kaito Aye highlighted that the state has come a long way, but still, more than 70% of the population are still engaged in the agri & allied sectors.
Aye noted that while the state produced 62,000 metric tonnes of grain in 1963-64, it increased to 7,55,590 MT in 2020-21.
This was possible through different central schemes and centrally sponsored aids, he said. “We have done a lot but more is needed,” Aye, however, noted.
He pointed out that while the department on its own has made initiative for a 120 bedded farmer’s hostel, the planned sector was badly affected, particularly in the last two years due to the pandemic.
“I have received only the 40% of planned target for the state. That’s why I have been grumbling writing to the Union Minister noting that different yardstick cannot be applied,” he said, adding that the State also faced a drought-like situation last year.
The Minister meanwhile called for reasonable support from the Centre and assurance that what has been earmarked for the State should reach the State.
Meanwhile, Aye said that Nagaland failed in the Cooperative movement due to political factors, which improved bit by bit after the ceasefire in 1997. Accordingly, he urged the central dignitaries to “take care of us and remembers us when you go to Delhi.”
In the context of changing developmental paradigms from the erstwhile encompassing Planning Commission to the mostly targeted Niti Aayog, Aye said that given the situation in NE States, a different yardstick should be applied.
He highlighted various challenges and issues facing the agri & allied sectors, and urged for assistance from the Centre.
CM inaugurates CMC; MoS opens exhibition
Earlier, celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Community Marketing Complex (CMC) while MoS, BL Verma inaugurated the ‘Naturally Nagaland’ exhibition at the NE Agri Expo.
Dedicating the CMC to farmers and entrepreneurs of Nagaland, he expressed optimism that it would provide a platform for young entrepreneurs to sell and promote organic produce from Nagaland.
‘Naturally Nagaland’ was conceptualized by the State Government as a ‘handholding’ initiative for introducing the agri-allied, food, handicraft and textile products from the State to the world.
All together 24 stalls from different departments and agencies displayed their products.
