Mhathung Yanthan with Y Vikheho Swu and others during Installation ceremony-cum-1st general meeting of NDPP Central Agri & Allied Organization in Kohima on July 22. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 22
The installation ceremony-cum-1st General Meeting (2024–2027) for the new team of Central Agriculture & Allied Organisation of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) took place at NDPP HQ Conference Hall in Kohima on July 22.
Rev Dr Kevichalie Metha, Pastor, Peraciezie Baptist Church, Kohima administered an act of installation to the new team headed by Y Vikheho Swu as the president.
Gracing the event as special guest, Nagaland Agriculture Advisor, Mhathung Yanthan described agriculture as a very important sector, the backbone and the lifeline of the state economy. He informed that a state agricultural policy is currently being drafted and encouraged the Organisation to contribute through brainstorming and policy suggestions.
He urged members to act as facilitators between farmers and government agencies and called for a mindset shift to treat farming as a dignified and business-oriented profession. This agri & allied organization plays a pivotal role not just within the party but in shaping the future of our state, he said.
Touching on Nagaland’s agriculture scenario, he said “Our products are much in demand. Now people are increasingly aware of the need to consume naturally grown and organic products.” “If we capitalize on the potential, we can create so much wealth through agriculture,” Yanthan said.
He also stressed on the need to have post-harvest infrastructure, collection stores, market linkages, processing and cold storages. “Another challenge that we are facing is the aging population of farmers. There are now very few farmers in the villages,” he said and expressed concern over the mass villagers migrating to urban areas in search of better opportunities.
Also stating that the state also has the challenge of climate change, global warming, unpredictable weather, he said “Climate change has become a reality. So, this is really greatly affecting agriculture.”
Stressing on the need to learn to adapt to the challenges in agriculture sector, he said “Our perspectives have to be changed. The farming system that we have been doing through generations need to be reoriented,” he said.
Stating that the world is going now ahead with technology-driven agriculture, he said “We have to also keep up with these technological changes. We have to adopt, adapt to the changes.”
‘Propagate various schemes to the grassroots’
In his address, Vikheho Swu stated that there are many schemes for individuals and community under agri & allied sector. “We can mediate between government and public and see that the government projects and programme are properly implemented and utilized,” he said.
Touching on NDPP vision on “Nagaland towards a state of excellence,” Swu said that to achieve this goal, the responsibility does not lies only with the elected representatives. All of us must rise up to the occasion to make Nagaland a prosperous and peaceful state, he said.
On Viksit Bharat 2047, he said that all the respective departments, agencies, villagers, farmers youth, entrepreneurs must rise up to the occasion and cooperate with the state government to bring Nagaland at par with the rest of the country.
NDPP Central Women’s Organisation general secretary Renboni Kikon described the formation of Central Agri & Allied Organization as a testament of the NDPP party’s commitment to the development of this crucial sector. “Through this dedicated body, we can formulate and implement policy that truly benefits our farmers, entrepreneurs and our community,” she said.
She also assured to collaborate with this organization to create more inclusive and sustainable growth in agri and allied activities.
Also speaking on the occasion, NDPP Central Youth Organisation president Imchatoba Imchen extended best wishes to the new team for the tenure 2024-27. He wanted the Central Agri & Allied Organization to effectively propagate various schemes to the grassroots to ensure the genuine farmers and entrepreneurs get maximum benefit. Earlier, session was chaired by K. Mangyangpula Chang, Vice President.
Wongto Chollen Chang, vice president invoked God’s blessings while Y. Mhonimo Ngullie, general secretary led introduction of the members. The business session was led by Vice President Kius Chuba. Nguvili Assumi presented special number while vote of thanks was proposed by General Secretary Minkamlak. Weprede Kenye and Rukravolie Rulho assisted as recorder of the event.
