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DIMAPUR — Nagaland was honoured with the ‘Best State in Horticulture Award 2024’ at the ongoing 15th Agriculture Leadership Conclave in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The award recognises the state’s innovative programmes and policies that have significantly developed its horticulture sector and positively impacted the lives of farmers and rural communities, according to an update.
Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, accepted the award on behalf of the state at the Agriculture Leadership Conclave which will conclude on Thursday.
The update stated that the award was conferred considering horticulture being a ‘sunrise sector’ for the state, contributing to livelihood and economic improvement for farmers, diversification of crops, employment opportunities, nutritional security, and ecological sustainability.
The Agriculture Leadership Awards was instituted in 2008 for recognising excellence and leadership roles played by individuals and organisations towards the development of Indian agriculture and bringing about rural prosperity. These awards are given annually to encourage and recognise the efforts that have made significant contributions in agriculture, livestock, social and rural development, and positively impacted the lives of millions of farmers, it said.
The state’s notable achievements include Geographical Indication (GI) registration for Naga Mircha, Naga Tree Tomato, and Naga Sweet Cucumber.
Additionally, the state department of Horticulture has mobilised the formation of 13 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), bringing 6,800 hectares under organic certification. These efforts, it said, have enabled FPCs to earn national recognition for organic pineapple, kiwi, and large cardamom production.
The update stated that the state is also promoting self-sufficiency through the establishment of 100 “vegetable villages” encompassing 10,000 households across the state.
Furthermore, the Horticulture department has initiated and launched air cargo services in the state for entrepreneurs and traders and has been significantly promoting market linkages of horticulture produces like Naga organic pineapple and organic kiwi to other parts of the country.
Among others, the state has a promising venture in cultivation of exotic crops such as kiwi, dragon fruit, avocado and persimmon.
The department has also implemented a ‘Horticulture Model Village’ initiative, promoting a ‘One Crop One Village’ approach across 16 villages to holistically boost horticultural development. With the abundant opportunities within the sector, the department remains committed to enhancing horticulture production and improving the economic uplift of farmers across the state, it added.