Nagaland government to set up farming project at Chiephobozou

Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Sep. 19 (EMN): The agriculture and allied sectors have decided to embark on an ambitious convergence approach by establishing a project dubbed as “Integrated Agri and Allied Settle Farming” located at Chiephobozou sub-division in Kohima district.

This was announced by Y Kikheto Sema, commissioner and secretary and agriculture production commissioner, during a press conference at the deputy commissioner guest house, Mokokchung, on September 19.

Sema explained that under the project, agri. and allied departments would converge its resources for integrated farming at a designated area with a minimum area of 30 hectares of land, which will be able to cover 120 farmers. He stated that genuine beneficiaries could acquire soft loans through NABARD and other funding agencies.

Stating that double cropping systems require sufficient water, Sema informed that the concerned agencies would try to find solutions for adequate supply of water throughout summer and winter.

He further informed that the proposed model would be channelled in each district and the deputy commissioners and officials from agri. and allied departments will be directed to identify suitable farmlands by December to initiate the
projects.

He expressed confidence that the state could put a stop to import of items from outside within few years if the project proves to be successful. He also hinted that the chief minister along with his ministers and chief secretary have also endorsed the convergence approach.

“This time, it is a different approach, we will go ahead with faith, we will pull the resources where every possible,” he asserted.

He also announced that the central government had sanctioned a soil testing laboratory in 11 districts, adding that request would be made to provide the same facility for the newly upgraded Noklak district.

He further requested all the respective DCs to set up an all-weather marketing sheds with proper toilets for women vendors. Stating that “99 percent of the vendors are women and mothers,” Sema said they deserved better facilities.

A team of top officials from various department led by Sema is on a state-wide tour to inspect and monitor the various ongoing projects under NEC and also interact with the agri. and allied officials and the farming community.

The team had visited NEC projects implemented in Zunheboto, Longleng and Mokokchung. They have expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and workmanship implemented in those districts.

Meanwhile, Sema has directed the State Agricultural Research Station at Yisemyong to provide detailed statement of achievement made during the last three years and their future vision. He has further suggested the officials to invite farmers from other districts to impart the new technology of farming.

He observed that every district should at least have a guest house for officials to stay.