‘Nagaland has the potential and ability to be globally competitive’

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 28 (EMN): Dr. Rakesh Sarwal , Additional Secretary, Government of India said the bubbling spirit of Nagaland was reflected through the “positivism” shown by the enthusiastic young entrepreneurs, stakeholders and representatives of different organisations who attended the workshop on Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) held at Capital Convention Centre in Kohima on Wednesday.

The workshop was organised by the Federation of Industries & Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER), sponsored by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India and supported by the department of Industries and Commerce, Nagaland.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the workshop, Sarwal said that a large part of the population in most states, including Nagaland is dependent on agriculture. While highlighting the schemes under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, he stated that having a food processing centre in the state will help the entrepreneurs meet their goals.

Food processing centre is one sector in one stock that can give farmers the desirable price for their produce, bring employment and increase earning to the entrepreneurs, and thus increase the income of the state and the people, said Sarwal. He mentioned two local products — gooseberry and wild apple – saying that the ‘two beautiful products of Nagaland’ are already being taken to the global standards.

“The state has the potential and ability to be globally competitive,” he said, adding that world’s best brands and enterprises; raw materials and natural green organic raw materials are available in the state.

Sarwal further assured that the ministry would work with the state’s entrepreneurs and farmers to establish food processing industry and see that it becomes commercialised and give employment to the unemployed people.

Chief Secretary of Nagaland Temjen Toy said that 70 % of the population in Nagaland depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Stating that agriculture in the state is conservative and traditional, he emphasised on the need to give attention to increase productivity and take it beyond the farm gate.

He asserted that a lot of studies have been carried out both in the world of academia and within the government but the state is still struggling so far as the marketing is concerned. He cited Naga king chilly, which is supposed to be the hottest in the world, spices and vegetables that could compete with the similar products in the global market yet not happening due to marketing issue.

The chief secretary also urged the entrepreneurs and famers to avail the Indian government’s scheme and make Nagaland a major producing state not only in the country but also globally.