Advisor G Ikuto Zhimomi (Right)
Kohima, June 3 (MExN): Nagaland Land Resources Advisor, G Ikuto Zhimomi today called upon the Naga youth to focus on farming as a means to drive economic growth and development.
Interacting with members of Sumi Discussion Forum (SDF) at his official residential quarter in Kohima, Zhimomi stressed the importance of adopting permanent farming methods in Nagaland.
He cited examples of successful agricultural production countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, Japan which have similar hilly terrain to Nagaland but have achieved economic prosperity through permanent farming practices.
Zhimomi emphasised the need to replace shifting cultivation with permanent farming practices, leveraging technical expertise to enhance productivity and exports. He also highlighted the potential of alternative farming methods, such as Net Houses and greenhouses, similar to those found in Gulf countries.
“In these countries, kilometers of Net Houses and greenhouses have been set up, significantly contributing to their economic growth,” he said.
Noting that Nagaland has the highest number of unemployed educated youths, Zhimomi urged the youth to take up farming as a viable career option. “It shouldn't be just our fathers or mothers who are farmers, but we, the educated youth, should become farmers,” he said.
The growers themselves should be experts,” he added. With technical expertise, we can become successful farmers and good exporters. If we can produce enough to meet our local demands in the districts, we can also produce for international markets and reduce our dependence on neighboring states.
Sharing his past experience as Chief Executive Officer of the Nagaland State Agricultural Marketing Board (NSAMB), Zhimomi highlighted his success in collecting Naga King Chilli from Peren and being the first in the country to export Naga King Chilli to London.
“This shows that our products have global potential, and with the right approach, we can tap into international markets,” he added.
The advisor emphasized that the youth of Nagaland have the potential to transform the state's agriculture sector and drive economic growth.
He urged the youth to take up permanent farming practices, leveraging technology and technical expertise to enhance productivity and exports.
Meanwhile, the SDF members expressed their sincere gratitude to Advisor G Ikuto Zhimomi for graciously hosting a dinner at his residence and dedicating time for a productive interaction session, despite his demanding schedule.
They appreciated his wealth of experience and expertise across various fields and valued the insightful discussion that ensued.
