Morung Express News
Pughoboto | November 15
Nagaland State Minister for Roads & Bridges, Y Vikheho Swu, today said many Naga people are yet to realize the need to strike a balance between equally important but seemingly contradictory factors to improve the local economy.
“A balance between traditional practices of self-sufficiency to modern methods of surplus produce, a balance between retaining our organic systems of farming to employing more productive systems with the aim of becoming suppliers, but without compromising our organic methods,” the Minister said in an address on the second day of the ongoing 3-day ‘Thuwu-Ni’ festival celebration here at Pughoboto public ground.
Swu who is also the convenor of the Thuwu-ni festival 2016 said the objectives of the annual festival, introduced in 2014, were to “re-discover, reclaim and revive our cultural heritage in the true sense of the word, to equip ourselves with the necessary skills to cope with the demands of the times, and to adapt, where necessary, with this fast changing world, keeping in mind that the 21st century belongs to Asia.”
To realize the vision, Swu said the people of Pughoboto need expert guidance, and announced that the Nagaland Entrepreneurs’ Association (NEA) has expressed keen desire to work with the people of Pughoboto for realization of the vision.
CEO, Nagaland Entrepreneurs’ Association (NEA), Neichute Doulo, the guest of honour, presented a contrast of Nagas in the past and present in terms of economy or self sufficiency. Duolo said that back in 1947, Nagas confidently declared August 14 as their Independence Day as Nagas in those days were self sufficient in terms of local economy and food production. However in the present context, the local economy is crippled and Nagas are totally dependent on imports of food grains and other essential commodities for their survival.
He stated that in such a scenario, agri-themed festivals like Thuwu-Ni can play a vital role in revitalizing the local economy and boosting food grain, animal and vegetable production. He said Nagas have become too dependent on the government for their every need and said it is time that Nagas learn to stand on their own feet.
Underscoring the need for Nagas to venture into business and entrepreneurship to revitalize the local economy, Duolo said Nagas should take a cue from Mokokchung district where locals now control 75% of the business and other entrepreneurships as compared to Kohima with 40% and Dimapur 20%.
Meanwhile, Kilomi Village was declared winner of the ‘Green Village Award’, which carries cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs.
The mission and new initiatives under Thuwu-Ni Pughoboto:
• Green Pughoboto, an endeavour to beautify Pughoboto area, make it eco-friendly and increasing quality wood products to be intensified in 2017.
• Decentralization of piggery, the continuation and intensification of ‘three for all’ (distribution of pigs) project for increasing meat production through miniature livestock rearing.
• Intensification of skill development trainings and exposure trips to superior and innovative areas in the utilization of human skills.
• To give more boost and focus on indigenous cuisines under the theme ‘Taste of Aphuyemi’ in 2017.
• Special focus on Aphuyemi human resource development in 2017 under the theme ‘Gen-next Aphuyemi.’ This effort shall begin with visits to schools for the purpose of assessment to develop a roadmap for futher initiatives.
• To develop a sustainable and practical channel for effective marketing of agricultural produce during 2017.
