Mhathung flags off winter vegetable seeds for 100 villages

August 27, 2021 54 Views No Comment

Correspondent KOHIMA, AUG 27 (NPN) : Advisor horticulture and border affairs, Mhathung Yanthan, flagged off winter vegetable seeds meant for 100 vegetable villages at the directorate of horticulture here on Thursday. Seeds procured under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) 2021-22 and North Eastern Council (NEC) 2020-21 were distributed as part of the post-pandemic economic recovery activities. The seeds included potato, cabbage, lettuce, beans, carrot, onion, beetroot, peas, and broccoli.

Speaking at the brief flagging off programme, advisor horticulture and border affairs Mhathung Yanthan acknowledged the department for timely procurement of seeds, though amount was yet to be sanctioned, and ensuring that seeds reached the farmers on time.

Pointing out that seed sowing activity was time-bound, Yanthan said the seeds, which were of high quality, should reach the genuine and deserved farmers.

Expressing dismay over attitude of the Naga farmers who expected everything for free, Yanthan reminded that post-pandemic economic recovery was initiated to ensure that Nagas were self-sufficient in food supply and produced enough for sustenance.

The advisor urged the department to provide all logistic support to the farmers, monitor and assess the farming and take proper assessment and plan for market linkage so the surplus could be sent off to market.

He informed that air cargo has put the state in an advantageous position to send out surplus crops outside the state.

Also, speaking at the programme, the agriculture production commissioner (APC) Y Kikheto Sema, said despite imposition of lockdown, agriculture activities continued, adding that some officers from the department, who were working with the farmers, fell victim to COVID-19. Kikheto informed that the distribution of seeds ahead of time was to encourage the farmers.

He asked the department officials to ensure that seeds reached the farmers one month ahead of sowing season.

APC asserted the agriculture department was also prepared to cover the entire length and breadth of the state to ensure that there was no shortage of vegetables post-pandemic. He appealed to the farmers to preserve the best seeds for continuation.

Under MIDH 2021-22, an area of 1000 Ha was targeted to be covered under vegetables. The department adopted the identified vegetable villages, which were supported with vegetable seeds for both kharif and rabi season.

According to the information provided by the department, so far there were over 70 vegetable villages covering all the districts including Noklak.

The concept behind vegetable village was to increase the quantum of vegetables produced, which would enable marketable surplus and contribute to increasing the income of the villagers by way of sale of the vegetables while also contributing to their nutritional security by ensuring availability of vegetables for their consumption.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/mhathung-flags-off-winter-vegetable-seeds-for-100-villages/239083.html