Nagaland Chief Minister, Dr Neiphiu Rio launched the Coffee Table Book of the 24th Dr T Ao Inter-District Football Trophy during the Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting-cum-Advent Christmas held at Phezou Resort, Tuophema Village, Kohima on November 24. The publication captures the journey of the tournament and honours the contributions of players, coaches and officials who have shaped its history.
The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, also reviewed several agenda items, including a detailed assessment of the Chief Minister’s ‘One Crop One Village’ initiative.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister welcomed members to his native village and reflected on Tuophema’s history, noting that its ancestors migrated from Chiechama. He recalled stories of early settlers, including his father and several villagers who served in the army and were recognised as World War II veterans. He emphasised the need to strengthen the ‘One Crop One Village’ initiative and expressed satisfaction with the progress of cluster farming, observing that commercial viability improves when villages grow selected crops collectively.
He encouraged the promotion of avocado and persimmon, informing the Board that 12,000 avocado saplings had already been distributed, and urged expansion of coffee cultivation, particularly in the northern areas, where Nagaland’s coffee is gaining demand for its aroma, flavour and organic qualities.
Dr Rio reminded the gathering to work with the resources the land provides, emphasising that Nagaland’s soil is fertile and ideal for organic production and also stressed the importance of fostering stronger relationships with farmers, urging officers and departments to understand the farmers, their interests and their land so that government initiatives can be implemented more effectively.
During the review, the Agriculture Department presented updates on the cluster-based farming model, noting that while agriculture remains a way of life in Nagaland, efforts are being made to shift to a more business-oriented approach to improve farmers’ income. The department highlighted ginger, potato, red rice, king chilli, maize, millet, garlic, rice bean and Job’s tears as crops showing strong market potential, with Kezoma cited as an example for its successful Millet Festival.
The Horticulture Department briefed the Board on crop suitability across different parts of the district, explaining that kiwi and persimmon are suited to the western and southern areas, citrus to the northern belt, and oranges to the Kohima Sadar region.
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It informed the Board that the ‘One Crop One Village’ model was first piloted in Khonoma and that field visits have shown promising scope for expanding kiwi cultivation. Despite climate variability affecting yields, the department and farmers are adopting measures to mitigate the impact, and ongoing schemes under MIDH and various Pradhan Mantri Krishi programmes continue to support community-driven agricultural initiatives.
The meeting also discussed the proposal to conduct future DPDB meetings in alternative locations across the district. Members agreed that decentralising meetings would allow closer interaction with villagers, enable on-site departmental reviews, and strengthen service delivery and grievance redressal through subordinate officers.
The meeting was attended by Minister, Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse; Advisor, School Education and SCERT, Kekhrielhoulie Yhome; Advisor, Prison and Printing & Stationery, Kropol Vitsu; MLA and Chairman of DPDB Kohima, Kevipodi Sophie; MLA, Dr. Tsielhoutuo Ato Rhutso, along with departmental officials and DPDB members.
Followed by an Advent Christmas programme, extending his greetings, the Chief Minister wished everyone a blessed Advent Christmas and shared that the year 2025 holds special significance for him and his family, marking his 75th birthday, 50 years of marriage and 50 years of public service, now entering his 52nd year.
MLA and Chairman of DPDB Kohima, Kevipodi Sophie, welcomed the gathering and described the occasion as refreshing and meaningful, enriched by the cultural and historical setting of the village. He encouraged departments to continue working in coordination for the welfare of the district.
Tuophema Village Council Chairman, Pfudilhou Kense, also addressed the gathering, and a special number was presented by Puo za bu Kemeyieu Chülie from the Botsa Baptist Khriesarüü Krotho.
