Farmers’ Day Programme was held on June 25 at Longkhum Community Hall organised by the

Integrated Multipurpose Cooperative Society (IMPCS) of Longkhum Village under the theme “Empowering the Farmers for a Prosperous Nation.” Advisor for Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, Mhathung Yanthan graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

In his address, Yanthan said, “I am here today to understand the problems faced by our farmers and to explore what we can do for them.”

He appreciated the theme of the programme, calling it “an important and timely theme in today’s context,” and commended the Integrated Multipurpose Co-operative Society (IMPCS) for initiating such a programme.

Recognizing the efforts of the farmers of Longkhum, he remarked, “I appreciate the farmers of

Longkhum for preserving the traditional culture of farming through their deep relationship with the land and soil. Many people know Longkhum as a prosperous and progressive village, especially known for tomato cultivation and its historic value in the tourism sector.”

He further noted, “Longkhum, being the nearest Ao village to my constituency in Wokha, has maintained a good relationship with neighbouring villages, for which I also thank Mangmetong Village.”

Reflecting on the significance of the day, he stated, “This Farmers’ Day we are witnessing today is all because of your sincerity and dedication.”

Mhathung also lauded the organising committee for involving more villages and tribes, stating, “Bringing different communities together allows us to learn from one another’s experiences and support each other collectively as farmers. Farming is what keeps our community alive.”

Encouraging a shift in perspective, he said, “We must move towards income-oriented farming. There are various ways and systems of farming, but sustaining ourselves is vital. We should adopt market-linked farming, treat farming as an enterprise, and consider integrated and permanent settlement farming while also preserving our traditional methods, which in turn will help conserve our environment.”

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He acknowledged the challenges farmers face, saying, “Yes, there are many challenges. Climate change hits agriculture the hardest. Our farmers are ageing, labour is scarce, and wages are high. So how do we tackle these issues? Perhaps through mechanisation, crop diversification, and modern techniques.

Infrastructure, especially for post-harvest, is another major challenge.”

Urging for stronger collaboration with the department, he added, “Your wishes, aspirations, and interaction with the department are very important so that the department can work in alignment with your needs.”

He encouraged the farmers to adopt a forward-thinking mindset: “Don’t just remain mere farmers—let your thinking evolve and advance.”

Speaking on policy support, he stated, “Government policies are on the way, which will serve as guiding principles for the farming community. We are working to introduce technical systems suitable for your specific topography.”

Linking the local with the national vision, he concluded, “With the Indian Government’s goal of becoming the number one economy through ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, we too must think on those lines. Let us aim to develop Mokokchung and Nagaland’s economy by 2047. It begins with our mindset, our attitude, and our readiness for change.”

Abenjang Imchen, Advisor of the Integrated Multipurpose Co-operative Society (IMPCS), revealed that

Longkhum Village is planning to host a Tomato Festival in the near future—an initiative aimed at celebrating and promoting the village’s thriving tomato cultivation and encouraging greater participation in agri-based activities.

The event witnessed active participation from farmers, community leaders, and special invitees.

The programme began with an invocation by Rev T Aka Jamir, Pastor, LBC, followed by a welcome

speech from Rongsen Ani, Chairman, LIMPCS. Exhortations were delivered by Temsumenba (Tatar), C

Angang Jamir, Mangmetong Farmers Friend, Supongwati, Aliba Cucumber Farmers, Okotsu Village

Farmers, and Imtisungkum from Longkhum Tourism Board, Boktiba Jamir, Economic Resergent

Secretary, Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO), Pangerzulu, Treasurer NDDP Mokokchung,

A special number was presented by Matang Mongro. Nungshi Lkr, Secretary, LIMPCS, delivered the vote

of thanks, and the benediction was offered by Dr Zilu Sor, Pastor, NCRC Longkhum.