Dimapur, Oct 24 (MExN): The Government of Nagaland has proposed importing “some protected cultivation structures” or hi-tech greenhouse and tunnels from Israel and has requested Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar to take up the matter with the appropriate authorities for exempting or reducing import duty for the technology.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in a letter to Pawar informed of the state government’s proposal to import hi-tech greenhouse/tunnels. Rio, however, expressed concern over import duties. “However, the cost of import duty at about 40% appears to be too high for all practical purposes.
But as you are aware, the Israeli structures are one of the best in terms of durability and quality and considering the high humidity of the NE region, the anti-corrosive aspects of these structures is an added point of our requirement Rio apprised Pawar. Rio requested the Union Minister to take up the matter with the appropriate authorities for exempting or reducing import duty of all such infrastructure for NE states.
“I will instruct the horticulture department to take up the matter with the Ministry and would be grateful if this aspect could kindly be taken up on priority” Rio added on his part.
Rio, while appreciating Pawar for enabling clearances from the Center for 10 Naga students to pursue agri studies in Israel, also proposed to involve the students with the state government’s TM-NE projects and utilize their services and expertise as trainers in imparting technologies to Nagaland’s farmers. Rio also hoped the programme would be made into an annual event with the government “strictly” monitoring the performance of students with internal assessment by Nagaland University for awarding regular diplomas.
