NPF Central Farmers' Wing officials during a press conference held at NPF Central Office in Kohima on May 9. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 9
The Central Farmers' Wing of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) today announced that it will be undertaking a comprehensive tour under the banner of “State-wide Appreciative Inquiry Tour” from May 11 to 25.
“This tour aims to directly engage with the agricultural communities and understand the ground realities,” said Y Vikheho Swu, president NPF Central Farmers’ Wing while addressing a press conference held at NPF Central Office in Kohima.
Swu said that many farmers and entrepreneurs across Nagaland have demonstrated exceptional initiative with or without government support.
Villages are celebrating their agricultural heritage through festivals featuring local products, creating sustainable livelihoods, and economic benefits for families and communities, he said.
At the same time, Swu asserted that the government has been making commendable contributions towards promoting agricultural activities through the distribution of seeds and saplings, providing farming tools and machinery, and importantly, developing and identifying crop clusters in regions to make farming more profitable and efficient.
“This tour will identify and acknowledge our Naga farmers who are performing exceptionally well, recognize their efforts, promote, and celebrate their remarkable achievements,” he said.
The Central Farmers' Wing also plans to visit Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) which translates to Farm Science Centres and Agri & Allied offices to interact with officers and field-officers to appreciate and understand their roles.
Stating that the state has also seen visible increase in livestock production, he said “We appreciate the role of the department, various financial house and banks, the KVK and specially ICAR.”
The NPF Central Farmers’ Wing acknowledged the varied challenges faced by the farming community in Nagaland, particularly the aging of the farming community.
“When we look at the present scenario of our farming community, it is predominantly sustained by the older generation, as the younger generation has increasingly replaced farming with white-collar jobs,” Swu said.
Call for adoption of climate-resilient crops
Stating that climate resilience forms as another challenge, Swu said “Climate change is becoming more difficult as climate conditions are becoming less predictable, that has led to complications for traditional farming practices.”
To deal with this problem, farmers must prioritize the adoption of climate-resilient crops and farming methods that can withstand environmental challenges so crops can still survive and produce food,” he said.
We look forward to having meaningful engagement with our farming communities, Swu said, while adding that the Central Farmers’ Wing will be submitting report and recommendations to the state government after the competition of the tour.
Chikrokhozo Kezo, general secretary Central Farmers’ Wing said that the team will also be distributing some seedlings to the farmers during the tour.
Nguto Assumi, secretary & administrator Central Farmers’ Wing informed that 70% of Nagaland's population are engaged in agriculture, for which, the state government has been giving due importance towards agriculture sector.
Tour itinerary
Group A: Tuensang, Noklak, Shamator, Kiphire, Meluri and Phek
Team- Kius Chuba (Leader), Weprede Kenye, Lhuyisa Phesao, Vevolhu Swuro, Mudongoyi Swuro, Sekho Theluo, Thuputhiyi Venuh, Sedelo T Vadeo, C Levi, R T Kius Tikhir, Wongtochollen Chang, Nathaneal Yim and C Daniel Roumon.
GROUP B: Mon, Longleng,
Mokokchung and Wokha
Team- Mangyangpula (Leader), Dr Y Aying Konyak, Moba A S Konyak, Nikensashi, R Mhonyamo Ngullie, W Gopang Konyak, Elansao Kikon, Yongmei Phom, Chikrokhoyo Kezo, Hukupa Ciekhan, Vesathu Dozo, Noksangkyu Stm and T Sepipa Sangtam.
Group C: Tseminyu, Zunheboto, Pughoboto, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Peren, Dimapur and Kohima
Team- Y Vikheho Swu (Leader), Kekhrievolie Keyho, Minkamlak, Yibeni Odyuo, Nguto Assumi, Meyieho Hibo, Hetoi Yeptho, Neisakho Nagi, Ato Luho, Akhalu Achumi, Shwenhunlo Semy, Hyusin Thug and Rukravolie Rulho.
