Kohima, May 9 (MExN): Parliamentary Secretary for Geology and Mining, Irrigation and flood control and border affairs, Y. Patton graced the commissioning and handing over function of Chiben Minor Irrigation Project at Longra Village, Tuensang on May 6 last.
Addressing the function at Longra village at the project site, Y. Patton asked the farmers of the command area to form ‘Water Users Association’/ Farmers association for the management, maintenance and upkeep of the project, and that the department would come forward for any major repair and up-gradation of the project when required. He also complimented the department for taking up the project in the remote area in spite of material transportation problems. The Department of Irrigation & Flood control has been implementing similar and bigger projects through out the state resulting in better yielding of paddy fields and various seasonal crops.
Stating that the DAN government under the dynamic leadership of Neiphiu Rio, the Chief Minister is people oriented and development oriented government that the state has ever witnessed and which is significant by inauguration after inauguration, Y. Patton called upon the people of Longra Village to continue to support the DAN government even in the days to come.
Patton commissioned the project by unveiling the plaque and opening the sluice gate of the channel to thunderous applause of the VIP’s, Officials, village elders and farmers of the village. The Parliamentary Secretary congratulated the villagers for sincere service and dedication in successfully completing the project in time and observed that the project would be meaningful if only the farmers take up two cropping seasons annually.
The Chief Engineer presented the project profile of ‘Chiben MI Irrigation Project’ which has culturable potential of 78.00 Ha. For the benefit of the farmers of Longra village having about 145 households and constructed at a cost of Rs.69.33 lakhs.
He was accompanied by Secretary I & FC, Thawang, Chief engineer and Addl. Chief Engineer, Er. Mezakhrol and Er Yanger respectively who also spoke in the function besides other departmental officials and public leaders.
Earlier, Thawang Konyak IAS welcomed the dignitaries, officers from various departments, VCC, elders and farmers of Longra village present for the function. He exhorted the farmers to utilize the irrigation facility not for subsistence farming but for economic growth through large scale farming of commercially viable crops besides paddy. Er. T. Yanger Addl Chief Engineer proposed the vote of thanks to the Chief Guest, officials and all members who graced the function.