KG Kenye and others with the beneficiaries of Van Dhan Vikas Kendra at Chizami on November 17. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 17
Nagaland Power & Parliamentary Affairs, Minister, KG Kenye today distributed tools and equipments to Kezuwe and Lethse Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) for Chizami, Kepolu VDVK for Mesulumi and VDVK Khomi under Pradhan Mantri Vandhan Yojana (PMVDY) at a function held at Chizami under Phek district.
Each VDVK consist 300 members, involving 1200 beneficiaries in total.
VDVK is a community-owned center under the Van Dhan Yojana initiative, which aims to generate livelihoods for tribal gatherers by providing training, equipment, and value addition facilities for forest produce.
The initiative was sponsored by TRIFED, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, and organised by Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM).
Addressing the gathering, Kenye, stressed the need to strengthen the rural economy through sustainable agricultural practices. He emphasised that while numerous awareness programmes and trainings are frequently conducted indoors, real progress lies in engaging directly with the land.
He pointed out that Nagaland remains one of the world’s five major biodiversity hotspots, offering natural advantages that should be maximised rather than overlooked or overshadowed by external influences.
Kenye highlighted the potential for the state to produce and export a wide range of local goods, provided the community adopts new perspectives and leverages modern tools and machinery. Despite technological support, he maintained that manual effort and labour-intensive practices continue to be essential, especially in organic farming, fruits and vegetables, handlooms, handicrafts, and other local produce.
The Minister also noted that the honey sector holds significant untapped potential and can be developed as a strong economic asset if the entire value chain—from production and processing to packaging and export—is properly organised and streamlined.
Kenye reiterated that the rural economy forms the backbone of Naga society and needs continuous strengthening to ensure long-term sustainability, especially as rapidly changing trends and high-profile activities offer limited long-term reliability. He encouraged local entrepreneurs to take proactive steps in contributing to the state’s economic growth.
Dr Pritpal Kaur, Superintendent of Police Phek also delivered short speech and encouraged the people to go for organic farming. She also called upon the Self Help Groups (SHGs) to use technology to enhance the production.
Earlier, Er. Khuvoyi Vese, Deputy Team Leader, NBHM chaired the programme while GB Kezutsutso Wezah delivered welcome address. Dezele Thopi spoke on behalf of the Vandhan.
