A three-day “Naga Kheti Mela” got underway in the School of Agricultural Sciences & Rural Development (SASRD) campus, Nagaland University, Medziphema at the inaugural function where Nagaland Speaker Chotisuh Sazo was the chief guest and parliamentary secretary horticulture Neiba Kronu as guest of honour in the presence of vice chancellor Nagaland University Prof. B.K Konwar as chief patron.
The mela under the theme “Towards Sustainable Agriculture” is being organized by SASRD in collaboration with the department of agriculture and ICAR research complex for North East region, Jharnapani.
In his speech, the chief guest Chotisuh Sazo, Speaker NLA, reminded that 1/3rd of the country’s population directly or indirectly depended on the agriculture sector and it contributed 25% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP).
He also said as food remained a primary need for mankind, there has been much emphasis on commercializing agricultural production where adequate production and distribution of food has become a global high priority concern.
Sazo also highlighted the emphasis at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Johannesburg from which he attended recently.
He also spoke on the need for improving the livelihood of farmers in India and in particular Nagaland and the long felt need for integrated farming system approach involving combinations of crop husbandry, livestock, horticulture, vegetable, goatry, piggery, fishery, apiculture, mushroom, sericulture etc.
Sazo also said commercialization of discoveries emerging from the rich reservoir of biodiversity of the north east would help in technological empowerment of farmers in Nagaland.
He also highlighted the crucial role and impact of mountains on agriculture, economy and civilizations of people and the country.
Sazo therefore urged upon scientists and researchers to provide valuable inputs to policy makers so as to bring about separate and sustainable policies for development of agriculture and allied activities in the hill regions.
He expressed the hope that the mela will further strengthen knowledge of agriculture scenario in the country in general and Nagaland state in particular and enhance the benefits emanating from it to the state.
Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the programme, chief secretary Alemtemshi (IAS) encouraged the gathering to know which direction they were headed in agriculture vis-à-vis the much hyped foot hill road.
He said the foot hill road, when completed, would have the potential of changing the dynamics of Naga society.
VC Nagaland University Prof. B.K Konwar said farmers were at the fore front of sustainability but asked scholars, scientist etc whether farmers were respected and provided with basic needs? He advised the gathering to pay respect to the farmers as they “ are the backbone of agriculture’.
He said in other parts of India, farmers demand basic help and technology from their governments and asked “what is lacking in us?”
Organising secretary of the First “Naga Kheti Mela 2013” Prof. Akali Sema, disclosed that the mela was the first initiative of SASRD under the leadership of Prof. B. K. Konwar, VC Nagaland University.
She said the VC has a vision to see SASRD work closely with the farming community in Nagaland. Earlier, Prof. N.S Jamir, pro-vice chancellor & chairman, Naga Kheti Mela gave the welcome address and vote of thanks proposed by Prof M Aleminla Ao, Dean & member of organizing committee.
Other highlights of the programme included Neiba Kronu, parliamentary secretary (horticulture) spoke on the value of farming and brief remarks by a host of officials and scholars. The mela was inaugurated by Nikhokhu Chophi, progressive farmer, Nagaland.
Cash prizes and citations will be presented to winners under three categories— agri/horti crops; livestock, processed products and innovative agri technologies including departmental exhibition/demonstration.
The exhibition will start from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. till October 19. Around 200 farmers have been enrolled from all over the Nagaland and neighboring states.
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