Farmers receive a demonstration on the operation of the newly commissioned machines during the inauguration of modern millet threshing and milling machines at Kezoma village on July 14. (Morung Photo)
Gets mechanisation boost with modern threshing and milling machines
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 14
Recognising Kezoma's efforts to revive millet cultivation, the District Agriculture Office (DAO), Kohima, on Tuesday commissioned a modern millet threshing machine and a specialised millet milling machine in the village to support farmers and improve post-harvest processing.
Speaking on the occasion, District Agriculture Officer, Kohima, Kekhrieletuo Yhome said Kezoma has emerged as a model village in reviving millet cultivation at a time when the crop has witnessed a steady decline over the past few decades.
He lauded the village community for its collective efforts and commitment to restoring millet farming, noting that Kezoma is now among the leading millet-producing villages in Kohima district.
Yhome said the department decided to provide the machines in recognition of the village's consistent efforts and to further encourage farmers.
He explained that threshing and milling are among the most labour-intensive stages of millet cultivation, and the modern machines would significantly reduce manual labour, save time, improve efficiency and minimise post-harvest losses.
Yhome urged farmers to make optimum use of the equipment and continue expanding millet cultivation in the village.
The DAO was accompanied by the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer and the Agriculture Inspector. Farmers were also given a live demonstration and hands-on training on the operation and maintenance of the machines.
The programme began with a dedicatory prayer led by Pastor Medongol Thami of Kezoma Baptist Church, who also read the Scripture.
Speaking on behalf of Kezoma village, Deacon Board Chairman Mezangol Yongo expressed gratitude to the Agriculture Department for the timely support. He said the introduction of appropriate farm mechanisation, combined with traditional farming practices, is helping farmers improve productivity while reducing physical drudgery.
He informed that Kezoma Baptist Church alone is cultivating nearly five acres of millet, while several churches, farmer groups and individuals in the village have also taken up millet cultivation on a larger scale, reflecting the growing interest in the crop.
