To showcase the region’s rich agricultural potential and to foster stronger engagement between farmers and government stakeholders, a field visit programme was held at Chiethu, Kohima today with Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan as the special guest.
The programme began with 11 farmer groups leading the Advisor and officials to the jhum fields, where they presented the thriving crops cultivated in the area.
In his address, Advisor Yanthan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and said he was delighted to witness the flourishing agricultural activity in Chiethu. He commended the farmers and villagers for their hard work and sincerity, noting that the practice of mixed cropping had yielded impressive results and carried strong income potential for the community.
Addressing the challenges faced by farmers in Nagaland, Yanthan highlighted the growing impacts of climate change and global warming. He urged farmers to stay informed and skilled in using government agricultural schemes and technologies. Stressing the importance of water conservation, he pointed out the need for sustainable practices due to the unpredictability of monsoons and limited irrigation facilities.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
According to a DIPR report, Yanthan also emphasized the importance of sorting and grading produce to access different market rates, including national-level markets. He noted that the region’s fertile soil and favourable climate present opportunities to diversify into fruit and vegetable cultivation. He further mentioned the Cold Storage facility at Sovima, which could help prolong the shelf life of produce and aid in market delivery.
Endorsing the idea of agrotourism, Advisor Yanthan supported Sovima Village Council Chairman, Sebastian Zumvu’s suggestion to explore this avenue as an alternative source of income. He encouraged the community to consider developing the necessary infrastructure for such ventures.
He further highlighted various government schemes such as Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) amongst others and emphasised that these schemes are tailored to the needs of farmers, with the Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture working to ensure their effective implementation at the grassroots. Distribution of agricultural machinery is also being done based on field-specific requirements, he added.
An overview of the Chiethu Jhum fields, Kohima
The Advisor also informed the gathering about a new Agriculture Policy currently in the pipeline. The policy aims to focus on productivity enhancement, market linkages, farmer welfare, and post-harvest infrastructure. He also mentioned ELEMENT, a World Bank-funded project aimed at unlocking economic opportunities through forest-based produce.
He noted that Chiechama is one of the 225 villages selected under this initiative and encouraged farmers to be proactive and collaborative in order to benefit fully from such schemes.
He concluded by urging farmers to see themselves not just as cultivators but as entrepreneurs, expanding their vision and aspirations, in addition to their income.
Earlier in the programme, Mhalezolie Metha, Chairman of Chiechama Village Council, and Sebastian Zumvu, Chairman of Sovima Village Council, delivered brief speeches. Zumvu highlighted Chiethu’s scenic landscape, agricultural richness, and its potential for developing agrotourism in the region.
The event also featured a prayer of blessing offered by Pastor Khriesaneisa Dzieyie of Chiecha Basa Baptist Church. The programme was chaired by Neichulie Rupreo, Advisor to the 11 Farmer Groups of Chiechama, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Neitso Sogotsu, also an Advisor to the same farmer groups.
As a token of appreciation, an assortment of vegetables—including pumpkins, cucumbers, spring onions, corn, and tomatoes harvested from the jhum fields—were presented to Advisor Mhathung Yanthan, Agriculture Production Commissioner Wezope Kenye (IAS), Director of Agriculture Sanuzo Nienu, and other officials present at the programme.
