The Innovative Farmers Demo Park was inaugurated at Botsa, Kohima on 4th April 2025 by the Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse as special guest in the presence of Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio and other dignitaries, Farmers and village leaders from 12 villages under Botsa.
Inaugurating the Park, Kruse stated that through this farm it is expected to contribute in income growth and diversified livelihood and the department initiative in promoting Horti Tourism is expected to bring about revenue by developing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. She mentioned that the project would serve as a community engagement whereby farmers can share their experiences and challenges, as well as learn about new and improved technologies in farming and implementation of innovative techniques, research driven practices and sustainable methods that would not only contribute to the local economy but would serve as a model for others to follow in the years to come.
She congratulated and thanked everyone involved in this project for their relentlessly worked to make this dream a reality. She encouraged the farmers, experts and the laborers to remember the significance of responsible farming practices and to commit to sustainable methods that protect our soil, conserve water and respect the delicate balance of nature while embarking on this new chapter of agricultural journey.
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Delivering a welcome address, Secretary, Horticulture, Akumla Chuba, IAS shared her hope that With the establishment of this demo park the department would provide a platform where farmers and department can come together to explore new ideas and technologies and learn from each other and also the park features a hydroponic system, net, poly house, Orchards, drip irrigation and organic farming methods which would showcase the practical and best practices in horticulture. She expressed her gratitude to HCM for approving the project under the State Innovation prog.2022-23 and for making this project into a reality.
She also encouraged the farmers to take full advantage of the DEMO Park and experiment with new techniques and to work together to bring about horticultural innovations, and improve our livelihoods for a more sustainable food system.
Director Horticulture, Meyasashi while delivering a brief report of the project said that the main objective of the project is to showcase and demonstrate new and improved horticultural technologies, practices and crop varieties; To conduct and provide trainings to farmers thereby learning about the advantages of new varieties, proper planting techniques and so on; To develop the concept of Horti-Tourism; To strengthen Farmer’s economy rapidly through its dual advantage; To enhance the quality of life and convenience for residents or visitors by providing recreational, social and practical amenities and all-year-round production of vegetables through initiatives like protected cultivation, hydroponic farming and micro green farming.
The programme was chaired by Thungchobeni Kikon, Horticulture Inspector; Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Rüdilhou Rio, Senior Pastor, BBC; short speeches were also delivered from Kehouzelie Rio, Chairman, Village Council, Botsa; Kechangulie Kense, Secretary, Village Council, Botsa; special song was presented by Asetuo & groups and vote of thanks was delivered by Ayieno Hibo, Additional Director, Horticulture while benediction was offered by Ruokuobeilie Zumu, Pastor, BBC.
