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Our Correspondent
Rusoma, Jan. 24 (EMN): Additional Director of Rural Development, K Neibou Sekhose, on Tuesday stressed on the importance of building a robust economy for sustainability and self-reliance.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the two-day annual Orange Festival at Rusoma village, about 12 km away from the state capital.
Sekhose said Rüsoma village is blessed in many fronts, and called upon the village leaders to ‘retrospect and introspect, taking criticism positively to carry forward the unity of the village’.
He appreciated the efforts of Rusoma village for pursuing orange plantation and celebrating the festival.
Sekhose viewed that the initiative of the Rusoma village is not only benefitting the village alone but is having a ripple effect on the neighbourhood and society at large. He further challenged the villagers to expand their businesses and extend cooperation to the leaders; while adding that the leaders should also serve the people with transparency and dedication to pursue public interest for progress and development.
Meanwhile, District Horticulture Officer (DHO), S Senka, in his speech, said that horticulture is one of the major drivers for economic growth in the country as it is more remunerative than other allied sectors while it provides employment possibilities.
Pointing out the paradigm shift in horticulture, he pointed out the need for smart farming, which is transformation and reorientation of farming to increase yields through enhanced productivity, improved resilience and reduced side effects.
He added that there is a huge potential of horticulture in Nagaland, maintaining that it has become a promising source of income acceleration, employment generation, poverty alleviation and export promotion.Asserting that there is scope for Horticulture tourism, he called for collective efforts of the government and the citizens and asserted the need to pursue applying for GI Tag of the orange.
In his keynote address, convenor of the organising committee, Khrielie Chase, said the festival is being organised to celebrate the farmers for their hard work while it is also enabling the farmers to sell their produce at one hub.
He informed that there were about 35,000 orange trees generating an income of more than INR 40 lakh, adding that the village is benefitting a lot while many are also venturing more into farming, for which he sought the support of the department concerned.
Earlier, welcome address was delivered by Kehouchükhrie Mezhier, Chairman, Rüsoma Village Council; a folk song was presented by Kiyaselie Mezhu and friends; invocation prayer was said by Krodilhou Vimera, Pastor, Rusoma Baptist Church; and the programme was led by Kekhrie Pfukha, spokesperson for the fest.
A total of 31 stalls with oranges, vegetables, coffee, handicrafts and others were put on display on Tuesday; the festival will culminate on January 25.
It may be mentioned that the festival is being held in collaboration with the departments of Horticulture, Agriculture, Rural Development, Land Resources and Kohima Smart City.
