Nagaland Has Higher Agri Growth Than Rest Of India

Dimapur, Mar 6 : Observing the progressive changes taking place in the agriculture sector in Nagaland, Agriculture Minister Dr Chumben Murry said the State’s agriculture growth rate is at present higher than the national average and the State’s agri contribution of 24 per cent stands above the nation’s contribution of 17 per cent.

Stating that agriculture has been a sustenance form of business in the State, Dr Murry urged the need to start looking at agriculture as an industry.

The Minister was addressing Agriculture department officials and entrepreneurs at the workshop on ‘Linking Small Time Entrepreneurs with Government Schemes and Markets’ at the National Research Centre on Mithun at Jharnapani, Medziphema yesterday.

Dr Murry also emphasised on looking at the post-harvest issues. He informed that three storages have come up in the potential districts adding that more will be coming up to provide better safety for farmers’ produce.

Maintaining that the State Government has adopted friendly policies for entrepreneurs, farmers and youth, he said more opportunities will be introduced very soon. Dr Murry also encouraged the gathering to start small agri entrepreneur projects and advised them not to always think on big/huge profits while maintaining that profit comes with sustenance of the business.

Highlighting about the numerous Central schemes introduced annually, Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Commerce KC Nihoshe called on the public to be more aware and avail the opportunities provided by the concerned Ministries at the Central and State levels. He also stressed on the importance of food processing sector mentioning that huge amounts of agricultural produce go waste.

Agricultural Production Commissioner HK Khulu, in his address, questioned the lack of commitment, patience and perseverance among entrepreneurs. “Is there a lack of synergy among the entrepreneurs?” he asked, adding that so many schemes have been introduced which have not been availed to its maximum.

The workshop was organised by the Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry India to promote entrepreneurs in food processing.