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Dimapur, April 15 (EMN): The advisor of Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan flagged off 10 metric tonnes of organic ginger consignment from ISBT, Purana Bazaar Dimapur, to Odisha, on Saturday.
The ginger is being marketed by Wokhaland Organic Ginger Producer Company Limited under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeast Region (MOVCDNE) Phase III; supported by department of Agriculture and service provided by the Centre of learning, Knowledge and Services (COLKS).
Speaking at the flag-off programme, Yanthan said this initiative taken up by the department will go a long way in facilitating the farmer, the Farmer Producer Company (FPC), and Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO).
According to Yanthan, agriculture is responsible for approximately 70% of the state's economy. HE noted that the state was currently experiencing a shift from traditional to modern scientific agricultural practices and were in the midst of transitioning from subsistence farming to market-oriented production.
‘As a result, they face significant challenges, but it is crucial to modernise the farming sector and provide a comprehensive solution that includes a complete value and supply chain for the agricultural industry,’ he said.
Yanthan added that in light of the modernisation that has taken place, it is necessary to ensure that farming is profitable and one must view farming as a business and consider themselves (farmers) entrepreneurs.
Based on his experience and observations with regard to FPOs and FPCs in Nagaland, Yanthan expressed that they had not fully grasped the culture and dynamics of these organisations.
This was an area where they were lacking, and as such, they required significant support and guidance to function actively and vibrantly as FPOs and FPCs, he said.
The advisor stated that the three phases of MOVCDNE have been implemented, covering 13,000 hectares certified as organic area and consequently, any product produced from this area is certified as organic.
However, Yanthan expressed concern over capitalisation of the organic certification, as they were spending a significant amount of money on certifying organic products and questioned whether the farmers were receiving a premium price for their produce.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]According to him, Nagaland produces high-quality products, and they should be branded as niche items and sold in exclusive markets.
‘Many people claim that there are no longer any farmers in the villages,’ he said, adding that this is a serious issue that needs to be examined closely. One factor he considers is the unavailability of markets, which has discouraged many farmers.
Yanthan further added that although there is demand for their products, farmers were struggling to organise themselves effectively and market their products and this is an area where they need to focus their efforts.
He also encouraged the use of digital platforms and advised all FPOs and FPCs to establish connections with buyers from outside their region. He said the electronic National Agriculture Market is one of the best portals available for accessing markets.
In his keynote address, Jacob Yanthan, Additional Director of Agriculture, said since the inception of MOVCDNE, a total of 38 FPOs have been organised, and over 23,000 farmers have benefited from this initiative.
He mentioned that MOVCDNE is supporting farmers by providing inputs, technology, hand-holding training, and other facilities. He went on to state that Phase IV of MOVCDNE also started this year for universities.
The additional director explained that they have three service providers - COLK, Green Caravan, and Entrepreneurs Associates -- that were playing a crucial role in connecting directly with farmers and producers at the grassroots level.
At the event, a welcome address was delivered by founder of COLKS, Eunice Patton and vote of thanks was delivered by CEO of Wokhaland Organic Ginger, Sorenthung Humtsoe.