Agri Expo site soon to become place of ‘light and life’— APC

Dimapur, June 24 (EMN): With the completion of the ongoing community marketing complex and the farmers’ hostel along with the existing organic AC market, the Agri Expo site at 4^th Mile in Dimapur is expected soon become a place of ‘light and life’ with agri and allied activities.

This was stated by the Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), Y Kikheto Sema, during inspection of different ongoing projects at Agri Expo site on Thursday. He was accompanied by superintendent engineer of Agriculture, Achakbou Newmai, a DIPR report stated.

Inspecting the ongoing construction of the community marketing complex, Kikheto informed that organic agri and allied products of Nagaland would be available in the hall measuring approximately 125×80 feet comprising 66 different stalls. The basic idea of the government, according to him, was to provide an organised market for the local entrepreneurs, who are willing to sell their products by paying nominal rent.

Making a comparison between fruits and vegetables, which are sold on footpaths, while clothes are sold in the best air conditioned markets, Kikheto opined that consumable items should be sold in the best hygienic places.

Stating that the marketing complex would have a cafe and a huge parking facility for vehicles, Kikheto expected to create around 140 direct and indirect employment opportunities through the facilities.

He was of the view that all organic vegetables grown in the state should reach Dimapur as it has a huge market. He also stated that with subsequent higher productivity in the state, import of vegetables from outside could be restricted gradually.

Expressing satisfaction with the progress of the construction which started two months back, he directed the department to complete the construction by this year to give it to the people as a Christmas gift.

“Let this market be another model market and if successful, we will construct similar markets in other districts too,” he said.

Kikheto also visited the ongoing construction of farmers’ hostels with the Agri Expo site premises. The foundation stone of the farmers’ hostel was laid by Agriculture minister, G Kaito Aye, on December 8, 2020, coinciding with the inauguration of an organic AC market. The 100-bedded farmers’ hostel is being constructed under RKVVY additional funds through the initiative of the Agriculture minister.

The objective of constructing the hostel, according to Kikheto, was basically to house the farmers from different districts of Nagaland and encourage them to bring their organic produce in the commercial hub of Nagaland.

The APC also visited the organic AC market of the Nagaland State Agricultural Marketing Board (NSAMB) and expressed happiness that organic products from different districts of the state are being sold at the market.