No middleman, food cart, e-commerce in line for Nagaland farmers

‘Covid-19 was a blessing in disguise for the people of the state’

Our Reporter

Dimapur, May 4 (EMN): After working closely with farmers from Nagaland state during the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown, enabling the locally produced vegetables reach the homes of the people, the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) is now coming up with a “set of plans”, including “food cart” for the welfare of farmers from the state with the permission of the Dimapur district administration.

Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Anoop Khinchi told journalists at his office chamber on Monday, May 4 that BAN’s efforts for the local farmers was appreciable, encouraging entrepreneurs to venture into the main market in Dimapur. He said the local farmers are showing interest to sell their produce unlike the other days when the market was controlled by a few.

“It is encouraging to see them (farmers) showing keen interest in the market which was possible through the initiative and efforts of the BAN,” the DC said.

He informed that they are working on a set of plans, including setting up of a market for local farmers at a designated place and initiate a food cart as transportation was one big reason that hinders farmers from reaching the markets. Following the success of the local market during the lockdown, he opined that Dimapur can follow the models of other states by opening food and vegetable carts in their own areas “which will in a way promote local entrepreneurship”.

BAN executive member Achen Imchen told Eastern Mirror that the association is planning to take up an initiative for “community market” with no middle man involved, which will involve farmer to vendor directly.

“Most of the farmers are small time farmers. Until there is middleman involved, the scope of earning will not be learned by the farmers,” observed Imchen. Covid-19, he said, was a blessing in disguise for the people of the state as most of them have now seen the scope of farming and the market.

“When the wholesale markets at Marwari Patti and Murgi Patti were sealed, every Dimapurian panicked for essential commodities but later we realised our potentials for the market and our products which was a blessing for us,” he said.

The local market initiated this time was a success due to the co-operation at village level and with the permission of the district administration. Transportation, however, was an issue but the BAN hopes that it will be resolved so that there is continuity of the market even after the lockdown is lifted.

To maintain continuity, Imchen said BAN is planning to introduce online shopping by the end of May to enable the public purchase things sans cash transaction.