HT Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Nov 24: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio recently emphasised the need to strengthen the ‘one crop one village’ initiative.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress of cluster farming, Rio said commercial viability improves when villages grow selected crops collectively.
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He said this while launching the Coffee Table Book of the 24th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Trophy during the Kohima District Planning and Development Board meeting-cum-Advent Christmas at Phezou resort at Tuophema Village in Kohima district.
Rio encouraged the promotion of avocado and persimmon, informing the board that 12,000 avocado saplings had already been distributed.
He also urged expansion of coffee cultivation, particularly in the northern areas of Nagaland, where the state’s coffee is gaining demand for its aroma, flavour and organic qualities.
Rio reminded the gathering to work with the resources the land provides, emphasising that Nagaland’s soil is fertile and ideal for organic production.
He also stressed the importance of fostering stronger relationships with farmers, urging officers and departments to understand the farmers, their interests and their land so that government initiatives can be implemented more effectively.
During the meeting, the agriculture department presented updates on the cluster-based farming model, noting that while agriculture remains a way of life in Nagaland, efforts are being made to shift to a more business-oriented approach to improve farmers’ income.
The department highlighted ginger, potato, red rice, king chilli, maize, millet, garlic, rice bean and Job’s tears as crops showing strong market potential.
The horticulture department briefed the board on crop suitability across different parts of the district, explaining that kiwi and persimmon are suited to the western and southern areas, citrus to the northern belt, and oranges to the Kohima Sadar region.
It said the ‘one crop one village’ model was first piloted in Khonoma village and that field visits have shown promising scope for expanding kiwi cultivation.
