On 1 May 2024, the Town Hall in Pughoboto witnessed a significant step towards sustainable agriculture as farmers gathered for a training session under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) initiative.
The event, organised by the Sub-Divisional Agricultural Office (SDAO) Pughoboto, aimed to empower local farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to transition from conventional to organic farming practises.
The MOVCD initiative, currently in its fourth phase, is a comprehensive programme designed to support farmers in their journey towards organic agriculture. By focusing on quality assurance, establishing market linkages, and developing the necessary value chain infrastructure, the initiative aims to ensure that organic products reach markets effectively, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
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Kitoho Michael Swu, the SDAO of Pughoboto, delivered the keynote address, outlining the objectives and structure of the MOVCD programme. He emphasised the importance of the initiative in promoting sustainable farming practises and improving the livelihoods of local farmers.
The programme, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, with COLKS serving as the third-party service provider, currently involves 500 farmers across 20 Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) from 10 villages in the region.
Tiameren Chang, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Pughoboto, expressed gratitude towards the local MLA and the SDAO Department for initiating this significant organic project in the Zunheboto District. He highlighted the rich natural resources of Nagaland and encouraged local farmers to take advantage of state government schemes aimed at promoting organic farming.
“Nagaland is blessed with abundant natural resources, and it is our responsibility to utilise them sustainably,” Chang said. “The state government has introduced various schemes to support organic farming, and I urge our farmers to make the most of these opportunities.”
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Chang also suggested that Pughoboto could potentially organise a Jobstear Festival if the production levels are satisfactory, providing a cultural boost in addition to agricultural development.
The training session included two technical sessions focusing on the cultivation practises of Ginger and Jobstear, the primary crops chosen for export under the MOVCD initiative. Experts Kerilhoulie Rulu and Vivitoli Swu from the Ghathashi Block provided detailed insights into the best practises for cultivating these crops organically.
The sessions covered various aspects of organic farming, including soil management, pest control, and post-harvest handling. Farmers were encouraged to adopt sustainable practises such as crop rotation, composting, and the use of natural pest repellents to ensure the production of high-quality organic produce.
The farmers’ training session in Pughoboto marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the region’s agricultural sector.
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By embracing organic farming practises, local farmers are not only ensuring healthier produce for consumers but also contributing to the preservation of the environment and the well-being of future generations.
As the MOVCD initiative continues to gain momentum, it is expected to create a ripple effect, inspiring more farmers to adopt organic farming practises and contributing to the growth of the organic market in the region. With the support of government schemes and the dedication of local farmers, Pughoboto and the surrounding areas are well on their way to becoming a hub for organic agriculture in Nagaland.
