In a significant step toward strengthening Nagaland’s horticulture ecosystem and enhancing farmer livelihoods, the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, entered into a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Natural Fuel India, Chümoukedima, and Sathwaro Farming Group, Gujarat, for the development of a sustainable and inclusive horticulture value chain in the State through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The MoU was signed at the Office Chamber of the Commissioner & Secretary, Horticulture Department, Government of Nagaland on May 14.
According to an update, the collaboration aims to establish a long-term framework of cooperation between the Government and private sector stakeholders to promote contract farming, cluster-based cultivation, post-harvest management, processing, and value addition of horticultural produce in Nagaland. The initiative seeks to leverage private sector expertise, market access, and technology while ensuring greater participation and benefits for local farmers.
Under the agreement, the partners would work toward the development of pineapple cultivation clusters and strengthening other high-value horticultural crops such as Kiwi, Litchi, Rambutan, and Spices. The project also envisages the establishment of solar dehydration units, cold chain facilities, and efficient market linkages for both domestic and export markets.
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The PPP model is expected to create an integrated horticulture ecosystem that connects production, processing, logistics, and marketing while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving farmer incomes across the State.
The Department of Horticulture highlighted that the partnership reflects the Government’s commitment to encouraging responsible private sector participation in agriculture and horticulture development, with a focus on value addition, entrepreneurship, and rural economic growth.
Established in 2008, Sathwaro Farming Group, Gujarat, has been actively engaged in advancing Indian agriculture globally and cultivates over 80 crop varieties with expertise in modern farming and export-oriented agriculture. Natural Fuel India, a part of Pristine Foods established in 2015, has been working toward promoting agro-produce from Nagaland in wider markets through locally sourced and organically grown products, while also supporting local farmers through processing and value addition initiatives.
The collaboration marks an important milestone in positioning Nagaland as a competitive horticulture hub in the region by combining the strengths of government support, private investment, market-driven agriculture, and farmer participation.
