Menphong, a farmer from Mon, was felicitated by the Prime Minister for his contribution to agriculture during the special Krishi programme in New Delhi on October 11. (PIB Photo)
Many flagship programs remain underutilized due to lack of awareness, weak inter-departmental coordination, and limited adoption of modern technologies: Advisor Mhathung Yanthung
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 11
Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan on Saturday called on stakeholders in Nagaland to make full use of Central government schemes aimed at transforming the agriculture sector, expressing concern that many flagship projects remain underutilised in the State.
Speaking at the State-level launch of the Pradhan Mantri Dhan–Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses at the Directorate of Agriculture, Kohima, Yanthan said the time has come for Nagaland to shift from traditional practices to technology-driven, climate-resilient farming.
“Why are our people not coming forward to take advantage of these facilities? There are so many schemes available including insurance, infrastructure, and credit support, yet we are missing out,” he remarked, urging farmers, officials, and allied departments to work in convergence.
The Advisor said that many Central projects remain underutilised in Nagaland because of lack of awareness, weak inter-departmental coordination, and limited adoption of modern technologies. “We must learn to converge schemes and programmes. Departments must share information, experience, and data to make these initiatives effective. Convergence should be our mantra,” he emphasised.
He appealed to the Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) to lead efforts in strengthening coordination among departments such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Water Resources, and Industries, so that the benefits of Central schemes reach farmers effectively.
Yanthan also urged a digital and mechanised transformation of agriculture in Nagaland, calling for market linkages, post-harvest management, and assured pricing systems to make farming a profitable and attractive livelihood option.
“We must make farming attractive and profitable by embracing technology, ensuring market assurance, and guaranteeing remunerative prices. If farmers are assured of markets and prices, production will never be a problem,” he said, adding that the youth must view farming as a viable career.
Mon selected as Aspirational District for PMDDKY
Under the PM Dhan–Dhanya Krishi Yojana, Mon district has been selected as Nagaland’s Aspirational Agricultural District by NITI Aayog, based on parameters such as low crop productivity, low land-use and cropping intensity, and low credit access (below 30%).
During the national programme in New Delhi, Menphong, a farmer from Mon district, was felicitated by Prime Minister Modi. Five representatives from Nagaland attended the national launch event.
The PM Dhan–Dhanya Krishi Yojana has been launched with the objective of enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting crop diversification, improving irrigation facilities, and facilitating the availability of both long-term and short-term agricultural credit. The scheme targets 100 low-performing districts across India through the convergence of 36 existing schemes from 11 Ministries, including PM-KISAN and PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), under district-level planning.
During the national launch, Menphong, a farmer from Mon, was felicitated by the Prime Minister for his contribution to agriculture. Five representatives from Nagaland attended the programme in New Delhi.
‘Convergence should be the mantra’
Delivering the keynote address, V. Shashank Shekhar, IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Government of Nagaland, underlined the significance of the two new schemes in boosting productivity, sustainability, and achieving self-reliance in pulses.
He stated that convergence of schemes and technology adoption are key to achieving tangible outcomes in the agricultural sector.
The nationwide launch programme, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from New Delhi, also included the laying of foundation stones for over 1,100 agricultural infrastructure projects across the country covering the animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing sectors.
The event in Kohima was chaired by Sanuzo Nienu, Director of Agriculture, and concluded with a live streaming of the Prime Minister’s national address. Medovilie Ladu, Additional Director of Agriculture-II, delivered the vote of thanks.
About PM Dhan–Dhanya Krishi Yojana
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, the PMDDKY aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote crop diversification, improve post-harvest storage, strengthen irrigation, increase access to credit, and improve governance and service delivery.
The scheme will be implemented through district-level planning and monitored by a National Steering Committee, State-level Committees, and District Dhan–Dhanya Samitis led by District Collectors. A Central Nodal Officer, in the rank of Joint Secretary, will oversee the performance of selected districts.
