Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, Salhoutuonuo Kruse attended the 15th Thanamir Apple Festival in Kiphire District today as the Special Guest.
The Festival is being organised by the District Horticulture Office, Kiphire and the Village Council of Thanamir under the theme “Apple for Health, Wealth and Prosperity”.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister appreciated the villagers for the wonderful initiative to bring Thanamir on the map of the Indian sub-continent and not just in Nagaland. “There are thousands of villages across the State and country yet Thanamir Village has managed to bloom among thousands to be rightly called as the “Apple Village” of Nagaland,” she stated.
Kruse pointed out that there is more scope for the village to grow and develop through proper technological knowledge and its implementations and exceptional transportation infrastructure. She also advised the apple growers to bifurcate the apples according to the variety.
Further, she elaborated on how selecting or electing the right leaders at all level of society matters as these right leaders will be ever willing to uplift their society in all ways possible, even if he/she does not have power to bring a transformation their good trusted friends can be a medium where they can aid/ intervene in the required aspects to develop a village/town/state. Therefore, Minister Kruse urged the people to be very wise and think twice when electing their leaders on any level of the society.
To the delight of the village, the Minister announced that the Government of Nagaland will implement one apple processing unit for Thanamir village, and hoped that this step will help boost the local economy of the “Apple Village”.
Honoured to attend the 15th Thanamir Apple Festival in Kiphire. I am pleased to announce my dept’s commitment to set up an apple processing unit, not only to enhance the value of their abundat apple produce but also create new opportunities for economic growth in the region. pic.twitter.com/aIJ7FkDloQ
— Salhoutuonuo Kruse (@k_salhoutuonuo) September 10, 2024
Host of the event, MLA and Advisor for Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Relief and Rehabilitation, S. Kiusumew Yimchunger said that good road infrastructure is vital in order to boost the local economy of Thanamir Village and uphold Nagaland’s name. He pointed out that the bad road conditions make it challenging for the villagers to export their produce.
The Advisor also appreciated the State Government and Department of Horticulture for always being a guiding light in leading the villagers towards progressive path for apple cultivation.
Senti Longchar, DHO, mentioned some technical knowledge to the villagers regarding the proper farming of apple. The Officer also encouraged the villagers to rear bees which will really benefit the apples to pollinate naturally.
Meyasahi, Director of Horticulture Department, highlighted much deeper know-how insights for apple cultivation and expressed confidence in the prospects of Thanamir’s apples becoming well known throughout the State and the country. He said that for this to happen, much deliberation and technical knowledge need to be acquired by the apple farmers.
Earlier, the programme commenced with invocation by Lunkhum, Pastor, Thanamir Baptist Church and ex Village Council Chairman Tsuseki gave a brief introduction on the apple cultivation at Thanamir. Short speeches were also delivered by Tsechimong, VCC, and Temsuwati Longkumer, Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire. The festival song was presented by Yanthamong and vote of thanks by Wongtokiu, Head GB, while Benediction was pronounced by Sheamcha, Associate Pastor Women, TBC.
This formal programme was followed by stall inauguration and apple plucking. The Thruntsunpong Cultural Troupe & Women Department gave traditional presentations.
