Nagaland is on the cusp of an entrepreneurial upsurge — Mhathung Yanthan

DIMAPUR — Highlighting the efforts put in by the state government to promote farmers, the advisor of Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, said that Nagaland is on the cusp of an entrepreneurial upsurge, primarily centred around the agricultural sector.

Yanthan stated this during the state-level farmers’ producer organisation (FPO) conclave under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North-Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) at Angh House, Agri-Expo, Dimapur, on Thursday on the theme “Transforming market linkage through MOVCD-NER.”

Yanthan, who was the special guest, appreciated the gathering of 38 FPO and farmer producer company (FPC) established by both the Horticulture and Agriculture departments, who have come together to collectively address common issues and chart a path forward. He has termed it as a privilege for all of them to represent various districts to share problems, exchange information and knowledge, foster connections among themselves, connect with service providers and officials and even establish partnerships within the business sphere.

He stated that the formation of FPO and FPC was aimed at establishing a well-organised system for marketing, aggregation, value addition, and branding adding that the innovative system has proven to be a significant and positive development for the agriculture business. He also stressed that there should be no differentiation between FPO and FPC associated with the Horticulture and Agriculture departments but should collaborate, share resources and facilities, and work together seamlessly without any distinctions.

Informing that 16 more FPOs would be formed under phase IV, he urged everyone to work together and take Nagaland products as one unit to market. The advisor also encouraged the gathering to prioritise long-term benefits over short-term gains. He also proposed the 38 FPO and FPC unite and establish a confederation to enhance the strength and effectiveness of their organisations and businesses.

Yanthan further stated that there would be no threat if only there was market assurance and market linkage and urged the gathering to capture the opportunity and make Nagaland a prosperous state.

During the event, the special guest gave away six pickup trucks to Longleng Organic Producer Company Ltd., Mon Organic Spices Producer Company Ltd., Akhoya Organic Farmers Producer Company Ltd., Thanamir Organic Producer Company Ltd., South West Kohima Organic Company Ltd., and Dimapur Spices Producer Company Ltd.

Short success stories were delivered by FPC including Wokha Land Organic Ginger Producer Company Ltd., Tseko Spices Producer Company Ltd., and Tribal Pitaya Fruit Producer Company Ltd.

Short presentations were also shared by service providers including COLKS, Entrepreneur Association and The Green Caravan.

FPOs are considered vital in making farming sustainable, promoting livelihoods, and enhancing the overall quality of life for those involved in agriculture. They enable small and marginal farmers and producers to access better prices, reduce transportation costs, and improve overall productivity.

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