How Can Nagaland Strengthen the ‘One Crop, One Village’ Initiative?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Collaboration among villages can significantly enhance agricultural productivity.
- The promotion of high-value crops like avocado can boost local economies.
- Understanding farmers’ needs is crucial for effective implementation of agricultural programs.
- Climate adaptability strategies are essential for sustainable farming.
- Decentralizing DPDB meetings can foster closer community engagement.
Kohima, Nov 24 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, emphasized the importance of enhancing the ‘One Crop, One Village’ initiative during a recent address. He expressed pleasure in the advancements made in cluster farming, highlighting that collective cultivation of chosen crops can significantly boost commercial viability for villages.
While unveiling the Coffee Table Book for the 24th Dr T. Ao Inter-District Football Trophy, the Chief Minister encouraged the promotion of avocado and persimmon, informing the Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) that 12,000 avocado seedlings have already been distributed.
The Coffee Table Book was launched during the DPDB meeting combined with the Advent Christmas celebration at Phezou Resort, located in Tuophema Village in Kohima.
Rio called for an expansion of coffee cultivation, especially in northern regions, where the demand for Nagaland's coffee is increasing due to its unique aroma, flavor, and organic characteristics.
He reminded attendees to leverage the resources provided by the land, emphasizing that Nagaland's soil is both fertile and suitable for organic farming, while also calling for closer ties with local farmers.
The Chief Minister urged government officers and departments to engage with farmers to understand their needs and land, ensuring that government initiatives are executed more efficiently.
During the review meeting, the Agriculture Department shared updates on the cluster farming model, indicating that while agriculture is integral to life in Nagaland, there is a concerted effort to adopt a more business-driven approach to enhance farmers' incomes.
The department identified several crops with strong market potential, including ginger, potato, red rice, king chilli, maize, millet, garlic, rice bean, and Job’s tears, with Kezoma highlighted for its successful Millet Festival.
Officials from the Horticulture Department informed the board about crop suitability across various district regions, indicating that kiwi and persimmon thrive in the western and southern areas, while citrus is best suited for the northern belt, and oranges are ideal for the Kohima Sadar region.
The Board was informed that the ‘One Crop One Village’ model was initially tested in Khonoma, and field visits revealed promising prospects for expanding kiwi cultivation.
Despite climate variability impacting yields, efforts are underway from both the department and farmers to adopt strategies to mitigate these effects. Ongoing initiatives under MIDH (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture) and various Pradhan Mantri Krishi programs continue to support community-oriented agricultural projects.
The meeting also deliberated on conducting future DPDB meetings at different locations throughout the district to facilitate closer engagement with residents and enhance service delivery and grievance resolution through subordinate officers.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Women’s Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse.