On Thursday, Union agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar virtually inaugurated the Farmers’ Hostel, Beekeepers’ Summit, and Horti Expo at the Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence.

According to a press release from the CIH Nagaland director, the farmers’ hostel, which costs Rs.3 crore to build, has a capacity of 40 beds and includes amenities such as a meeting hall and lodging for resource persons. During various trainings and programs at CIH, the facility will host farmers from the North East Region.

In his speech, the union agriculture minister expressed his delight at the success of small farmers from Nagaland and the North East in producing high-quality marketable products thanks to CIH’s technical assistance and programs. Tomar emphasised that the Honey Mission, which was collaborating with NAFED for honey product marketing, would greatly benefit small and marginal farmers/beekeepers in Nagaland and the Northeast, while highlighting various Central schemes for farmers and beekeepers.

The union minister stated that his ministry was always willing to help small farmers and work together through various government schemes, programs, and line departments within the ministry, such as CIH.

Tomar urged small and marginal farmers to come forward and take advantage of the various services and benefits available to help them improve their farming operations.

The union minister praised the CIH staff, the state department, and Nagaland farmers for cooperating to achieve greater heights in the horticulture sector.

The inaugural event was held in a hybrid format, with both physical and virtual components.

According to CIH Nagaland, the National Bee Board has registered 232 beekeepers/beekeeping societies/firms, and 4265 bee colonies from Nagaland.

Nagaland produced 650 metric tonnes of honey in 2020-21, according to the report.

Nagaland and the North East Region, according to the CIH director, have a lot of potential in the beekeeping sector. He said that under the Government of India’s scheme “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs),” two districts in Nagaland—Dimapur, and Peren—have been identified for the formation of FPOs of Beekeepers/Honey producers.

NBHM team member Mhathung Tsopoe gave a presentation on “Pollination-Production & Productivity of Agriculture & Horticulture Crops by Bee-Pollinating Services” during the technical program of the Beekeeper’s summit, while NBHM team member Nzanbemo K Lotha spoke on “Quality Control of Honey & Marketing Strategy.”

NG.Baio, founder and owner of Hills Foods from Senapati, Manipur, and Vuseno Yakhro, founder and owner of Dwellington Home, Kohima, also launched seven different types of fermented fruit beverages and candy made from locally available underutilised fruits.

After completing a three-month Certificate Course in Post Harvest Management at CIH, the two young entrepreneurs launched their business. Certificates were also distributed to ten North East Region Accredited Nurseries, as well as CIH publications.

Aatma Nirbhar Krishi also distributed vegetable seed kits to farmers in honour of the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021.

Molsang Organic Pineapple Producers Company Nagaland, formed under the MOVCD program of the Government of India, and Satsumi Farms LLP, New Delhi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Pineapple Marketing on the occasion.

Various departments/exhibitors have set up a total of 20 exhibition stalls.

More than 150 farmers attended the event in person, and around 100 officials and dignitaries from the North East and the rest of the country watched it online.

Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Kailash Choudary and Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, DA&FW secretary Sanjay Agarwal, DA&FW additional secretary Dr.Abhilaksh Likhi, DA&FW agriculture & horticulture commissioner Dr.SK Malhotra, and additional commissioner (Hort.) & Managing Director, National Bee Board were among the dignitaries who attended the event.

T Mhabemo Yanthan; commissioner and secretary (Horti), Anenla T Sato; Nagaland horticulture director Dr.E Lotha; Board of Management (BOM), CIH & MD, Fosse Holdings, Kolkata member Shiv Anjan Dalmia and BOM, CIH Member Diwakar Chachari

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