Advisor for Agriculture, Nagaland, Mhathung Yanthan inaugurated Collection Centre of Dzüü Farmer Producer Organization at Gariphema Village, Kohima district.
This collection centre was constructed under the project of Fostering Climate-resilient Upland Farming Systems (FOCUS) Nagaland as part of Market Access Facility and addresses a long-standing need for farmers, reducing post-harvest wastage and improving market access. The centre will serve as a crucial hub for storage and produce aggregation, empowering farmers with better market opportunities.
Addressing the gathering, Yanthan called upon the farmers not to look for short term benefit but for sustainable and long term gain in agricultural activities. Urging the farmers to reduce their hunt for subsidy, he challenged the farmers to be serious and focus on agricultural-based economic growth which can help boost the state’s economy including employment generation.
The Advisor also stressed on the need to get acquainted with the modern agricultural technologies for productive and sustainable agriculture. He called upon the farmers to focus on surplus production models, assuring that the State’s Agriculture Department is there to assist marketing strategy.
Yanthan informed that the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has been focussing on agri-based enterprises and urged the farmers to get maximum benefit from Chief Minister Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI) which aims to enhance farmers’ income by increasing investment in agriculture and allied sector, improving agri-marketing networks and infrastructure.
Further, the Advisor wished for Dzüü FPO to grow into a vibrant and robust engine for economic growth. Asking the member to stay united and help each other, he assured that the government will assist them in every possible manner.
Kekhrieletuo Yhome, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Kohima, also addressed the gathering and asked the Dzüü FPO to make the best use of the provided facility.
Dzüü FPO comprises of around 400 members from five villages- Gariphema, Gariphema Basa, Dihoma, Kijumetouma and Seiyha Phesa.
Dzüü FPO collection centre will mostly facilitate storage of agricultural products (especially Ginger) for marketing.
Later, the Department distributed five power tillers and brush cutter and two water pump to Dzüü FPO.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Dzüü FPO Chairman, Pukhato Kire. Viketoulie, Assistant Pastor, CRC Gariphema, invoked God’s blessings while Kekhrie Society Gariphema presented a special number. Gariphema Village Council Chairman, Vibeilietuo Kets, proposed the vote of thanks.
C. Peter Yanthan, Director, Agriculture Nagaland and several other officials from the Department and FOCUS-IFAD team also attended the programme.
