Nagaland signs tripartite Horti MoU for PPP-driven growth

Kohima, May 14 (MExN): The Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, on Thursday signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Natural Fuel India, Chümoukedima, and Sathwaro Farming Group, Gujarat, to develop a sustainable horticulture value chain in the state through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The MoU signing ceremony was held at the Office Chamber of the Commissioner and Secretary, Horticulture Department, according to a DIPR release.

The partnership aims to promote contract farming, cluster-based cultivation, post-harvest management, processing, and value addition of horticultural produce across Nagaland, leveraging private sector expertise and market access for the benefit of local farmers.

Under the agreement, the partners will focus on developing pineapple cultivation clusters and scaling up high-value crops including Kiwi, Litchi, Rambutan, and Spices. The project also envisages setting up solar dehydration units, cold chain facilities, and market linkages for domestic and export markets.

The PPP model is expected to create an integrated ecosystem connecting production, processing, logistics, and marketing while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving farmer incomes.

The Horticulture Department said the partnership reflects the government's commitment to responsible private sector participation in agriculture, with a focus on value addition, entrepreneurship, and rural economic growth.

Sathwaro Farming Group, established in 2008, cultivates over 80 crop varieties and has been engaged in advancing Indian agriculture globally through modern and export-oriented farming practices. Natural Fuel India, part of Pristine Foods established in 2015, promotes organically grown agro-produce from Nagaland in wider markets while supporting local farmers through processing and value addition initiatives.

The collaboration is expected to position Nagaland as a competitive horticulture hub in the region.