Rio’s message to I&FC, undertake survey for food productivity

State chief minister Neiphiu Rio Wednesday urged upon the department of Irrigation and Flood Control to play an effective and crucial role in turning Nagaland into a self sufficient and food-sufficient state as per the Vision 2020.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new building of Chief Engineer’s Office, Irrigation and Flood Control, New Secretariat Complex, Kohima here Rio also asked the department to change the traditional practice of cultivation to multi-cropping system to increase productivity in the state.
He pointed out that though 80% of the state was agrarian yet food production was less than 40%. Advocating the importance of water management in agri and allied works, Rio urged the department to tap and survey available water resources and work in close coordination to bring about water policy and management.
He also asked the department to undertake a full survey of the potential irrigational areas and divide them district-wise to make a proper planning. He said planning could start from the grass root level so that it could contribute to the state’s growth and progression.
Referring to the current Year of Entrepreneurs, the chief minister said the government was ready to support youths by providing linkages to banks for viable projects. He however reminded that recovery should be practiced so that mutual trust was built in order to let credit flow reach to the people.
In an oblique reference to government servants, Rio blamed government generosity for having destroyed work culture among the people, especially the government servants. He called upon government servants to work hard so that Naga society would not become a liability for the Government of India.
Principal secretary and Agriculture Production Commissioner, H.K. Khulu appealed to all agri and allied departments to address the issue of water resources urgently and gear up for the problems brought by climate change. He expressed hope that the department would work towards making the roadmap of economic prosperity in the state a reality.
Secretary, department of Irrigation and Flood Control, B. Thawang Konyak, stressed on the need to formulate State Water Policy. He said that a nodal department could be chosen so that ground water management and enactment, and other water resource management are formulated.
Er. Mezakrol, chief engineer, I&FC department gave a report on the construction of the new office building. A total expenditure of Rs. 539.25 Lakhs was spent in constructing the 49-roomed building.
Earlier, the chief minister unveiled the plaque, while Rev. K. Luruo, state chaplain, offered dedicatory prayer. The programme was chaired by Y. Patton, parliamentary secretary, Geology and Mining, Irrigation and Flood Control and Border Affairs.