State government has proposed setting up a “horticulture corridor” along all highways inside the state which would connect “vegetable villages” for easy accessibility.
This was disclosed by parliamentary secretary horticulture Neiba Kronu during a state level exposure tour-cum-training programme for vegetable farmers at the council hall, Zhaveme Village Tuesday.
Neiba Kronu in his address said that in recent consultative meetings, the department has consented to create a marketing division that would function independently.
Kronu also disclosed that the government has proposed to establish “Centre for Excellence” to impart training among farmers. He opined that very soon farming would be a profession that would equal government services and help eradicate unemployment problem in the state.
He also expressed the hope that Pfutsero Area would soon be declared as the “vegetable hub” of the state. He lauded the efforts of the people and the leaders behind success stories of farmers from various districts in the recent years.
Parliamentary secretary higher education (SCERT) Deo Nukhu, who hailed from the host village Zhaveme, also lauded the efforts of the department for bringing productive results. He opined that farmers should produced surplus and encouraged them to pick up animal husbandry alongside farming.
Status report on the department was given by horticulture department joint director Pawan Kumar. As per records, the department has identified that Zhaveme Village alone has earned a gross of Rs.1.43 crore from vegetable sales alone. He stressed on the need to produce at least 21,900 metric tons in Nagaland as the state currently produced only 9000 metric tons.
Phek district farmers’ union president, Khazi Lea also expressed his gratitude to the department. He informed that at present nine villages in Phek district produced over 27773 metric tons of vegetables and fruits.
Zhaveme vegetable village chairman added that earlier the villagers were unaware of the huge scope and revenue that vegetable farming could bring until the declaration of the village as vegetable village in 2010.
State horticulture director Watienla Jamir, who chaired the session, in her concluding remark, said Zhaveme village has inspired so many other villages to be hardworking, diligent and generous.
She said Zhaveme village has proved itself to be a model village for other vegetable villages in the state.
Earlier, Zhaveme Village pastor invoked God’s blessing before the programme. Phek DHO Dr. Moa Walling delivered the vote of thanks.
All district horticulture officers and council presidents attended the programme. The first session was followed by a field technical session at Zhaveme Village vegetable farms.
And as part of the tour and training, there was a flagging off of loaded vegetable trucks to various markets.
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