Ban embarks on mission to rescue local farmers

Our Reporter
Dimapur, April 23 (EMN): Business Association of Nagas (Ban), which has been initiating measures to enable local farmers find markets to sell their products during this pandemic, has outlined sets of problems faced by the local farmers. The lockdown due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has affected not only the farmers and their supply but also made the Ban understand their drawbacks.

To promote local products as well as rescue the local farmers, Ban has initiated a market at Badminton indoor stadium in the premises of state stadium near DC court junction with permission from the district administration.

The market at the badminton indoor stadium started on April 23 with time slot from 9 am to 2 pm for the customers and from 7 am for the vegetable vendors. The activity is expected to continue for the next coming days or as per the convenience of the vendors, Ban executive member Achen Imchen told Eastern Mirror.

The farmers from surrounding villages in Dimapur, he said were identified through friends, contacts and the state horticulture department. There are plans to assist more farmers from Jalukie and Peren if situation improves but for now we want to take things steady and not rush, he said.

“We have been receiving positive response and support and if this support goes on, we will work out to continue assisting the farmers,” Imchen added.

The team, he asserted, has experienced various aspects of business at a local level for the local community as it receives positive ideas to work for the farmers.

He also pointed out that the local farmers cannot/have not produced in bulks and has no market contacts. “To capture the big market, we need to give them good training and marketing chain. We want to make a foundation where in future the local farmers do not face any problems,” Imchen said.

Imchen further asserted that it should not just be the responsibility of Ban to assist farmers but everyone should support practically and not simply on social media.