A one-day Consultative Meeting and Capacity-Building Workshop on the theme “Advancing Agri & Allied Sector Development in Wokha through Science, Technology & Innovation” was held at the DC’s Conference Hall, Wokha on September 12. The programme was jointly organised by the District Administration, Wokha and CSIR–North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), Jorhat.
Addressing the session, Dr Virendra M Tiwari, Director of CSIR-NEIST, underlined the importance of scientific interventions and technology-driven practices in agriculture and allied sectors. He said Wokha district has the potential to become a role model in the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops, floriculture and integrated farming. He cited chamomile as an example of an aromatic crop that can be harvested twice a year and integrated with honey production from mono-floral sources.
According to him, such ventures could provide employment opportunities, generate income, and promote sustainable growth. Dr. Tiwari assured that CSIR-NEIST would provide planting materials, know-how, training and market linkages, covering the entire value chain from production to market.
He further noted that floriculture and aromatic crops could be linked to emerging markets, while beekeeping could add value through honey and by-products. He expressed confidence that with the support of scientists, entrepreneurs, and proactive district leadership, Wokha can create an enabling environment for farmers.
Wokha Deputy Commissioner, Vineet Kumar, IAS, in his remarks, appreciated CSIR-NEIST for extending expertise to the district. He said the collaboration would benefit farmers not only through technology transfer but also through planting material support. The DC stressed the need for continuous technical handholding and suggested that contact numbers of experts be made available to farmers for follow-up assistance. He also lauded the efforts of the organisers, particularly Shri Anuranjan Singh, for coordinating the programme.
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The workshop was chaired by Anuranjan Singh and attended by farmers, officials and stakeholders. Technical sessions were conducted on high-value flowers including peony, ranunculus, gladiolus and marigold by Dr Sumit Singh and Dr Pankaj Bharali; on aromatic crops such as chamomile, lemongrass, citronella and essential oils by Dr Mohan Lal; and on beekeeping with emphasis on honey production and integration with floriculture by Dr Mantu Bhuyan. All the resource persons are scientists from CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat.
The programme concluded with an Interaction and Feedback Session, open discussions, recommendations, valedictory ceremony, and distribution of planting materials to participants.
