Michael Tan, Doris Tan with awardees and other dignitaries on December 6.
Thipuzu Farmer’s Award 2024 ceremony held
Our Correspondent
Thipuzu (Phek) | December 6
Thipuzu Farmer’s Award 2024 ceremony was held on December 6 at Thipuzu village under Phek district recognizing the hard work of the farmers.
The Award was sponsored by Michael Tan and wife Doris Tan from Singapore with the vision to encourage farmers following their visit to the village some years ago and have come forward to incentivize the award.
Michael Tan, Director of M & D Prize Foods Pte Ltd, said he and his wife saw the potential for farmers to grow crops that can command a premium in the market, besides cultivating paddy as Kiwis and Persimmons are premium products.
In this regard, Tan said that he wanted to motivate the farmers to grow more of these crops to improve their incomes and to grow more than enough rice to feed their families and sell the surplus in the market, highlighting that the Naga Hills are popular for organic agricultural products.
Tan expressed hope that the award would encourage the farmers and he believed this could inspire children to return to farming and allow the community to prosper in God's abundance.
He also pointed out the need to instill a strong work culture among the children and return to the village while he also stressed the need to register a trademark for Thipuzu's produce.
Doris Tan asserted that the people should recognize and acknowledge God for the gift of nature emphasizing that the land belongs to the Lord and humankind are stewards.
She stated that farming is crucial for sustainability.
Dr Medongoi Rhakho, Deputy Director of the Higher Education Department, Nagaland, acknowledged Mr and Mrs Tan for encouraging farmers. Speeches were also delivered by Eddie Chan from and Wee Chye Hin, both former classmates of Michael Tan. Head Gaon Bura (GB), Zacutso Theluo, and the awardees, expressed their gratitude to the sponsors for encouraging farmers.
The programme was led by Dr Epovezo Chuzho while vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Rupfuhu Rose, Chairman, Thipuzumi Welfare Union Kohima.
Awardees
Kiwi
1st: Vechosayi Vero (70 Bags)
2nd: Pusatso Kezo (70 Bags)
3rd: Vepoyi Kezo (60.5 Bags)
Avocado
1st: Vetsucho Veyie (8000 Kgs)
2nd: Vezokho Epao (3690 Kgs)
3rd: Vethiyi Kezo (2500 Kgs)
Persimmon
1st: Vecüsüyi Chüzho (5502 Kgs)
2nd: Vecüso Chuzho (1600 Kgs)
3rd: Veyho Chüzho (1300 Kgs)
