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Dimapur, July 16 (EMN): A team headed by Agriculture Production Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema inspected the integrated Nzu valley irrigation project at Phenshunyu in Tsemeinyu sub-division, which is funded by the North Eastern Council, on July 15 and called for accountability and transparency.
According to a DIPR update, Sema expressed concern over the Covid-19 pandemic which has affected economic activities and maintained that it is time for Nagas to learn the need for self-sufficiency in food production. He called on the Naga, particularly youths to venture into new areas, exploring the rich favourable climatic condition, adding that the government is focusing on generating employment to support the livelihood of the people.
He emphasised on the need to integrate various departments like Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Soil and Water Conservation, Fishery, Irrigation and Water Resources to work together by sharing technical inputs for enhancing food production which is a growing concern worldwide. Efficient management and utilisation of these resources are very important to increase the productivity of food production per unit area, he added.
Sema maintained that one of the principal reasons for the low productivity in agriculture is the progressive deterioration of soil due to erosion. The factors for soil erosion are due to excessive deforestation, overgrazing and consequently, valuable top soil is lost and its fertility gets depleted, resulting in poor horticulture and agriculture yield, he said.
Expressing his appreciation to contractor Benjamin I Lorin for carrying out the work even during the monsoon season, he urged him to complete the remaining work at the earliest possible time for the benefit of the people.
Chief Engineer of Water Resources H Hotovi Ayemi said that water is becoming scarce due to climatic change and unpredictable drought conditions; therefore, the department is implementing all reliable water sources infrastructures in the state for assured irrigations.
Informing that the department has been imparting requisite training for economic usage of water, he also requested the concerned to inform the department about potential areas which can benefit the people of the state.
The inspection team was accompanied by Assistant Development Commissioner Neinguisle Zhasa, SE Chubasashi Chang, SDO Phutheguo Khawkhrie, JE Nungsangmar and officials from the Directorate of Information and Public Relation.