Members of APMC Mokokchung after the meeting at the Mokokchung APMC Complex on June 9. (Photo Courtesy: APMC Mokokchung)
Mokokchung, June 10 (MExN): The Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC), Mokokchung, has inducted new members as part of what it termed as the revitalisation of its operations and efforts to strengthen marketing opportunities for farmers in the agri and allied sectors.
As part of its revival plan, the committee also announced plans to export locally grown Longkhum tomatoes and introduce other local products during a meeting held on June 9 at the APMC Complex, presided over by APMC Chairman I Panger Longkumer.
Addressing the occasion, Longkumer expressed confidence that inducting educated young members, including many unemployed youths, would inject fresh energy into committee and unlock the full potential of agri and allied products in the district.
He also acknowledged the vital role played by Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma in the revival process through the constitution of a three-member committee to reactivate agricultural produce marketing initiatives in the district.
A press release from APMC Mokokchung stated that Longkumer also recalled the committee's peak years in agricultural production and marketing up to 2012, noting that a subsequent decline in farmers' participation from 2013 onwards had significantly affected overall production and marketing activities.
However, he expressed optimism about revitalising its activities with support from the district administration and agri and allied departments.
Meanwhile, outlining key plans under the revamp initiative, Vice Chairman L Yanger Lemtur stated that the new members would help drive the committee's activities through fresh initiatives intended to enhance production and ensure sustainable economic returns.
As an immediate step under the revival programme, he announced plans to export five tonnes of Longkhum tomatoes, adding that the necessary correspondence for the export had already been established.
The committee also plans to introduce the marketing of locally produced chillies, bananas, pineapples and other seasonal produce throughout the year, he added.
According to the release, APMC is currently conducting surveys to formulate farmer-friendly policies, including buy-back arrangements, contract farming initiatives and plans for large-scale production, while also exploring new marketing channels.
To this end, APMC Mokokchung has appealed to farmers across the district to approach the committee to market their agricultural produce, mainlining its “doors are always open.”
The APMC Mokokchung complex is equipped with modern facilities, including an administrative office, stockyards, auction platforms, cold storage, marketing sheds, compost pits, machinery stores and weighbridges, the release added
.jpg)
