Dimapur, Oct. 21 (EMN): With major chunk of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at 29.72% in Nagaland is contributed by agricultural produce, Principal Secretary and APC, T Imkonglemba Ao, has called for more efforts when compared with a war torn country like Vietnam which contributes about 75% to its GDP from agriculture alone. As the State has become self sufficient in almost all crops except rice, he hope to achieve the same by 2020.
Speaking at the 40th foundation day celebration of School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD), Medziphema Campus, on October 20, Imkonglemba Ao said agriculture development has to be achieved with inclusive, intensive, integrated agriculture broadly meaning inclusive of traditional knowledge, and time tested climate resilient crops in the various micro watersheds (3541in number). He also stressed on the need to change the old mindset of farmers and persuade them to be in sync with the newly evolved technology.
Besides, he also insisted on development of manpower in agriculture economics as agriculture managers so that proper value chain is developed for traditional crops.
He said much has been achieved with hard work of the officers in departments of Agriculture and Veterinary in keeping with the various State policies and visions.
He also encouraged the alumni of SASRD to play important role in bringing together the state policy makers and the university authority to work together for the development of agriculture. On the occasion of its foundation day, he urged upon all to recommit themselves for the betterment of the society.
The foundation day speaker, Dr. PS Lorin, principal of Tetseo College, Dimapur, urged the university to go forward for a new beginning to ‘Build a righteous generation’ and to unite and work together without any “ism” and with integrity. He said SASRD, which is now forty years old, with many alumni members who are well placed across the country and also abroad can contribute for further development of SASRD wherever there is any shortfall. He also pointed out that the campus, which is older than Nagaland University, should have world class infrastructure with appropriate facilities in order to attract students from all over the country and the world.
Director of Agriculture, Helie Rupri-o, stressed on the need to develop indigenous technological knowledge and preservation and conservation of indigenous crops, while Dr. IP Khala, Director of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, encouraged for research on fodder crops and animal feeds which can be efficiently converted to food for the state as well as the north east region thus benefitting the farmers as well.
The Annual Alumni Award consisting of a citation and cash prize of Rs 20,000 for the B. Sc. (Hons) Ag Topper 2017 was awarded to Ms Bipasha Dutta.
The programme was chaired by Dr. L Tongpang Longkumer, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Agronomy, while the invocation was offered by Dr. Razouneinuo Zuyie and Prof. T Lanusosang, Pro Vice Chancellor, delivered the welcome address. Special numbers were presented by SASRD EU choir and Ms Nungshitula Pongen and vote of thanks was delivered by Mhonbemo Ngullie, Assistant Librarian.
