An overview of the Chiethu Jhum Fields in Kohima district. (DIPR Photo)
Advisor Yanthan calls for farmer entrepreneurship, highlights climate challenges and agrotourism potential
Kohima, July 16 (MExN): The Government of Nagaland is formulating a new agriculture policy aimed at enhancing productivity, market connectivity, farmer welfare, and post-harvest infrastructure, Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan informed during a field visit to Chiethu, Kohima.
Speaking at a programme organised to showcase the agricultural potential of the region, Yanthan said the policy is currently in the pipeline and will focus on addressing critical gaps in the farming ecosystem. “The policy aims to focus on productivity enhancement, market linkages, farmer welfare, and post-harvest infrastructure,” he stated.
The event, attended by officials from the Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture, saw participation from 11 farmer groups who led the Advisor and team to the jhum fields to witness the crops grown in the area.
Addressing the gathering, Advisor Yanthan said he was “delighted to witness the thriving agricultural activity in Chiethu firsthand” and commended the community for their “hard work and sincerity.” He said the practice of mixed cropping had resulted in rich yields with strong income potential for local farmers.
Touching on the broader challenges facing agriculture in Nagaland, the Advisor warned of the ongoing impacts of environmental change. “He highlighted the impacts of climate change and global warming, and urged farmers to stay updated and skilled in the government agricultural schemes and technologies.” He stressed the need for water conservation, citing the unpredictability of monsoons and limited irrigation sources in the region.
Yanthan also underlined the importance of sorting and grading produce to access market rates beyond local sales. “He pointed out that the region’s favourable soil and climate conditions offer opportunities for diversifying crops into fruits and vegetables,” the DIPR release stated. He cited the Cold Storage facility in Sovima as an example of infrastructure that could support longer shelf life of produce ahead of market delivery.
Endorsing the potential of agrotourism as an alternative income stream, Yanthan supported Sovima Village Council Chairman Sebastian Zumvu’s suggestion to explore the scenic value of Chiethu. “He encouraged the community to develop related infrastructure,” the release stated.
During the programme, the Advisor also highlighted ongoing schemes like the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). These schemes, he said, are being tailored to field-specific needs. “Distribution of agricultural machinery is also being done based on field-specific requirements,” he added.
Yanthan also mentioned the World Bank-funded ELEMENT project, which aims to unlock economic opportunities through forest-based produce. “Chiechama, he said, is among the 225 villages selected under this initiative and hence encouraged farmers to be inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative to fully benefit from such schemes.”
Encouraging a shift in mindset, the Advisor called on the farming community to look beyond subsistence. “He concluded by urging farmers to see themselves not just as cultivators but as entrepreneurs, expanding their vision and aspirations, in addition to their income.”
Earlier in the event, brief speeches were delivered by Mhalezolie Metha, Chairman of Chiechama Village Council, and Sebastian Zumvu, Chairman of Sovima Village Council. Zumvu highlighted Chiethu’s scenic landscape and agricultural richness, and its potential opportunities for developing agrotourism in the region.
The event was chaired by Neichulie Rupreo, Advisor of the 11 Farmer Groups of Chiechama. Pastor Khriesaneisa Dzieyie of Chiecha Basa Baptist Church delivered a prayer of blessing, while the Vote of Thanks was given by Neitso Sogotsu, also an Advisor to the 11 Farmer Groups.
An assortment of fresh vegetables—pumpkins, cucumbers, spring onions, corn, and tomatoes—harvested from the jhum fields, were presented to Advisor Yanthan, Agriculture Production Commissioner Wezope Kenye IAS, Director of Agriculture Sanuzo Nienu, and other officials present.
