A Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 17
The first ever Naga Kheti Mela 2013 began at School of Agricultural Sciences & Rural Development (SASRD), Medziphema campus under the theme ‘Towards Sustainable Growth’ on Thursday.
The Kheti Mela could not have received a much better response as over 200 farmers and agri & allied officials numbering above 100 are participating in the Mela being organized by SASRD-NU, Medziphema campus in collaboration with department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland and ICAR, Research Complex for NEH, Jharnapani.
The three-day event, which most importantly aims to build up better ties with the farmers, also has the objective to create a platform for effective transfer of technologies to the farming community, showcase quality produce of the farmers/growers, facilitate interactions of farmers with experts in agri & allied sectors on issues related to crop/livestock production and protection related problems.
All out to give due respect and importance to the farming community, the Mela was inaugurated by a progressive farmer Nihokhu Chophi in the presence of State legislators, top bureaucrats, agriculture scientists and other government officials among others. This kind of recognition and respect to a progressive farmer in a mammoth event such as this will surely go a long way in encouraging the farmers in reminding them that they are the first stakeholders in building up the economy of the State.
And this was rightly pointed out by the Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University Prof BK Konwar when he made his observation known that the farmers (both in the country & state) are not getting due respect and recognition from the society.
The Vice Chancellor, who is also the chief patron of the Kheti Mela, opined that the agriculture sector will improve in the State/country only when respect is given to our farmers and their requirements are attended to.
“While we pay our respect to the farmers, let us also interact and learn from them,” Prof Konwar said.
Also observing that farmers-scientists interaction is what the Nagas lack, Konwar, while stating that mission-mode alone won’t work, pointed out that useful interaction will prove decisive in our endeavour towards building an agriculture economy.
Parliamentary Secretary for Horticulture Neiba Kronu, who was the guest of honour on the occasion, appealed the agriculture scientists to put their heads together and come out with viable methods of cultivation in the State. Kronu also underlined the need to shift from traditional to modern way of farming, which will propel large scale cultivation.
Speaking about the Naga Kheti Mela 2013, the organizing secretary Prof Akali Sema said the Mela is the first ever initiative of the University in collaboration with Research and Development organizations.
Prof Akali also informed the gathering that the Mela was the brain child of the Vice Chancellor Prof Konwar whose dream is to see SASRD working more closely with the farming community of the State.
On the theme ‘Towards Sustainable Agriculture’, Prof Akali told the participants to avail all services and learn as much as possible, so that they may go back enriched with knowledge on various technologies for enhancing agriculture crop production, leading towards sustainable agriculture in the State.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Prof NS Jamir, Pro-Vice Chancellor & chairman, Naga Kheti Mela, while the vote of thanks was tendered by Prof Aleminla Ao, Dean and member of organizing committee. Brief remarks were also delivered by representatives from ICAR and department of agriculture.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir and invocation was pronounced by TE Lotha, pastor, Lotha Baptist Church, Medziphema.
The valedictory function will be graced by Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Dr Benjongliba Aier on October 19.
