The NPF Central Farmers Wing (CFW), as part of its “Statewide Appreciative Enquiry Tour,” led by Y Vikheho Swu, President of NPF CFW and former Minister, visited Pughoboto Division on May 23.
Delivering a speech, Swu thanked all those present for attending the programme.
Conveying greetings on behalf of the Chief Minister, he informed the gathering that three separate teams were currently touring different parts of the state.
Emphasising that the Farmers Wing is not merely an office for distributing schemes, Swu stated that its primary role is to understand the challenges faced by farmers, convey their grievances to the government, and identify loopholes in existing policies. He questioned who truly benefits from government schemes and subsidies when many genuine and hardworking farmers continue to work without any support.
Referring to Nagaland’s SDG 2030 goals in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, he stated that the state has envisioned becoming self-sustainable by 2030, while the Government of India has also launched the “Viksit Bharat 2047” initiative. Highlighting that these visions focus on youth, women, the poor, and the downtrodden, he challenged the gathering to reflect on their own contribution towards these goals.
Swu also spoke on the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and expressed concern that while several districts have successfully identified and promoted multiple products, Pughoboto has yet to contribute a recognised product. He urged the public not to focus solely on monetary gain, but instead align themselves with government policies aimed at the upliftment of all sections of society.
In line with the Chief Minister’s vision, he encouraged the people to identify quality produce unique to their respective areas. He remarked that although the Chief Minister proudly carries only “Made in Nagaland” products to Delhi, no product from Pughoboto has yet reached that platform.
Highlighting the importance of modern farming and technological adaptation, Swu described ICAR-KVK as an important technical resource for farmers. He stated that through KVK, farmers can learn which crops are best suited for specific soils and regions and urged them to apply scientific findings in agriculture.
Drawing examples from global crises, including the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the COVID-19 pandemic, he observed that agriculture remains one of the most resilient sectors during difficult times. Stressing that technology adaptation is essential, he urged farmers to move away from outdated farming practices and embrace modern methods.
Citing kiwi, persimmon, avocado, and coffee cultivation as examples of profitable modern farming, he noted that Pughoboto remains one of the pioneering regions in coffee production. He further stated that Nagaland coffee has now reached world-class standards and recalled that the recently launched coffee cluster initiative at Tuophema and Ghotovi village.
At the same time, Swu emphasised that Jhum cultivation should not be abandoned. Instead, he encouraged diversification while preserving traditional farming systems. He stated that Jhum cultivation carries immense indigenous knowledge, helping farmers understand the ecosystem, including the role of plants, insects, and trees. He further stressed that Jhum cultivation remains deeply connected to Naga culture and traditions and should continue to be preserved.
He also highlighted the economic potential of agriculture, stating that modern farming offers multiple avenues for income generation beyond crop cultivation, including animal fodder, compost production, floriculture, and allied sectors.
Concluding his address, Swu thanked the Farmers Wings from various divisions and the Central Women’s Wing for their support and participation.
Delivering one of the keynote addresses, Hyusin Thyug, Vice President CFW, emphasised that the relationship between the Sumi Aphuyemi and Rengma communities has always been cordial and founded on mutual respect.
He further stated that the central team had visited areas that are well developed, areas that require development, and areas that are currently developing, adding that YVS is a leader needed by both the government and the state. He stressed that in the upcoming election, the people of Pughoboto should strive to elect YVS.
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Also speaking during the programme, Rukravolie Rulho, Secretary, CFW and PA to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, stated that the primary objective of the tour was to emphasise the importance of farming and to encourage people not to leave their land uncultivated. He said that the tour was undertaken to fulfil the aims and objectives of both the party and the government.
Hibo, VP CFW, informed that as per the directive of the CFW, the Division FW has been advised to encourage farmers, and submit reports on FW activities in a timely manner.
He further urged all party rank and file to work collectively for YVS and to reap the fruits of their collective efforts.
During the interaction session, several government schemes such as NSRLM, CMMFI and several initiatives under IDAN were also elaborated upon. Swu also highlighted the numerous schemes available under MSME and urged the public to gather information from the concerned departments and offices. He further stressed the importance of maintaining quality in production to remain unique, competitive, and commercially viable.
As part of the tour, the team also visited Ghathashi and interacted with Tokheho Achumi (Bee Keeping farm) and the community Jhum farm cultivated by Ghathashi Baptist Church in aid of church building construction, where CFW members Interacted with the farmers and participated in the field.
Swu was accompanied by officials from the Central Farmers Wing, Central Women’s Wing, and office bearers from the Aghunato and Tseminyu Division Farmers Wings.
The programme ended with a benediction and was held at Pughoboto Town Hall.
