Spot verification of the Naga Model Integrated Settled Farming (N-ISF) on Boke Botsa was done by Y. Kikheto Sema,the Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) of Nagaland.
Sema was accompanied by officials that included Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, K. D. Vizo, Heads of Departments (HoDs), officers of the Directorate and District Offices from Agriculture, Horticulture.
Y. Kikheto Sema while interacting with the residents of Botsa stated that, the motive of the visit was for the betterment of the existing traditional farming and for implementing sustainable methods of farming.
He said, “The traditional methods of jhum, terrace cultivation, which may not be economically viable nor ecologically sustainable, cannot be stopped, because it is being practiced time immemorial”.
Sema said that they need to be prepared for self-sufficiency given that N-ISF is of great importance.
He added, “We should undertake N-ISF in all workable areas so we can take up various activities under Agri and allied departments in a cluster approach to ensure productivity throughout the year.”
“This would encourage educated unemployed youth and retired employees, to take up agricultural activities, to optimize land use for production sustainably in rural areas. They will further form into a Farmers Producer Organization (FPO) for the post-harvest value chain to the nearest market,”
Thus, this will turn N-ISF into a business model and support Agro-Eco Tourism.
Sema emphasized that N-ISF at Boke Botsa would perform as a model and will be follwed in all the districts in near time.
The state can reach self-sufficiency with great import of rice, vegetables, fish and meat with the farming system.
Sema adviced the community not to stay dependent on the Government alone, but place their share for the success of the project as there was no specific fund to start with.
Geographic Information System (GIS) Cell would look after the Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping of the area. Agri & allied departments will have to prepare
An action plan needs to be prepared by the Agri & allied departments for early implementation of N-ISF starting from Boke Botsa.