An official programme to welcome Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Government of India, Ram Nath Thakur was held at DPDB hall, Longleng on February 18 with all head of the departments and civil society’s organisation. The Union Minister is on a two-day visit to Longleng district from February 18 to 19.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Longleng, W. Manpai Phom, NCS, in his welcome address expressed his sincere gratitude on behalf of the district administration and the entire people of Longleng to the Union Minister of State, Ram Nath Thakur. The DC also briefly highlighted the comprehensive detail report of the district through power point presentation.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, in his address stated that the Prime Minister remains deeply committed to the development of the Northeast region, and that Nagaland continues to witness progress through various initiatives of the Central Government. He emphasized that the Prime Minister is particularly concerned about the welfare of farmers and is keen to ensure that they fully benefit from government schemes.
He also urged the Agri. And Allied Departments to sought details regarding the total area under cultivation in the State, including the number of hectares being farmed and the number of farmers involved. The Minister also enquired about the functioning of the Soil Testing Laboratory in Nagaland and whether it is effectively benefiting the farming community.
Highlighting that the Central Government stands ready to assist, Thakur urged the farmers to avail all government schemes. He also called upon the State Government to give focused attention to agricultural development and the challenges faced by farmers. He stressed the importance of proper implementation of government schemes and urged officials to ensure that the benefits reach the grassroots level. He further emphasized the need to review how effectively Central Government schemes are being implemented in Nagaland.
Reiterating that the Prime Minister is deeply concerned about the well-being of farmers across the country, the Minister encouraged agricultural scientists to intensify their efforts in developing practical solutions and innovations that would directly benefit farmers in Nagaland. In conclusion, the Minister expressed his gratitude to the people for the warm welcome accorded to him upon his arrival.
MLA, A. Pongshi Phom, in his short address express his sincere appreciation on behalf of the people of Longleng district, to the Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare for having much concern and taking the trouble to visit, inspite of numerous busy schedules, and said that the people of the district is highly optimistic that his esteemed visit will have immense impact in the lives of our people. He also expressed gratitude to the central government for giving special emphasize to the people of North Eastern region in general and Nagaland in particular.
The Act East Policy announced in November 2014 to make the North Eastern Region a strategic place and a gateway to South East Asia nations. Keeping this in mind our region is witnessing tremendous growth and development he said. He further acknowledge key initiatives like PM-DevINE, NESIDS and SoNEC under DoNER which has benefited and significantly brought development to the region.
The Government of India has envisioned “Vikshit Bharat” which translates to “Developed India”. It aims to transform our nation to a fully developed and self-reliant country by 2047. And he said that, our people with immense potential are also moving forward in line with the rest of the country in achieving this great vision.
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He said we must be aware about 70% of the population of Nagaland are engaged in agriculture and farming. Traditional Jhum/shifting cultivation is mainly practiced due to topographical terrain. In Longleng we have very fertile and vast area of land for cultivation where food crops, vegetables and various fruits are harvested each season round the year. The Govt of Nagaland finds it difficult in catering many needs of our farmers due to fund constrain, He appreciate the Govt. of India’s initiatives of the “ Atmanirbhar Bharat “ or “ Self Reliant India “ where agriculture is a core component of it. He therefore requested the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to consider allotment of funds for construction of Agri-Link road at several specific areas in order to ensure easy access to farms, reducing transportation cost and swift access to buyers which will ultimately enhance rural economy.
Lastly, He extended his gratitude to the Govt. of India headed by our visionary leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and Home Minister Amit Shah ji, for having a special interest and concern towards the people of Nagaland in general and the people of Eastern Nagaland in particular and for taking us on board with the rest of the country towards peace, progress and development.
President Phom Peoples Council, Y.B. Angam Phom, on behalf of the Phom People’s Council (PPC) and the entire citizens of Longleng District welcomed the Union Minister. He stated that their presence marks a significant moment for the farmers and rural communities. He added that the signing of the Frontier Nagaland Territory Authority (FNTA) has bought a renewed sense of hope for the people of the area.He requested the central government to sanction a feasibility study for the establishment of a Regional Agriculture University and a dedicated Research Centre in Longleng to empower the people and modernize traditional farming in the district, which would provide the scientific temper and localized research needed to transform our unique ‘Jhum’ and organic farming into a sustainable, high-yield industry. He also assured the Government full cooperation in terms of community support and land-related consultations to transform Longleng into the “Organic Knowledge Hub” of Nagaland.
During the programme a detailed power point presentation was made by the Agri & Allied Departments. Earlier the programme was changed by EAC Yongnyah, Imkongnukla Ao.
Later, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, visited Orangkong village where a short programme was held, and interacted with the village functionaries, self help groups and senior citizens of the village. He also visited the traditional morung/Handicraft stall and witness the vibrant culture programme performed by the women folks of the village.
