Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ram Nath Thakur on Wednesday directed the Agriculture and Allied Departments in Nagaland to furnish detailed data on the total area under cultivation, number of hectares farmed and the number of farmers engaged in agriculture across the State.
During his two-day visit to Longleng district, Thakur also sought clarification on the functioning and effectiveness of Soil Testing Laboratories in Nagaland, questioning whether they are meaningfully benefiting the farming community.
Addressing officials and civil society representatives at the DPDB Hall, Longleng, the Minister stressed the need for proper implementation and monitoring of Central Government schemes to ensure that benefits reach farmers at the grassroots level.
Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains committed to the development of the Northeast, Thakur said special attention is being given to agricultural growth and farmer welfare in the region. He urged officials to review how effectively Central schemes are being executed in the State.
Highlighting that nearly 70 percent of Nagaland’s population is engaged in agriculture predominantly through traditional jhum cultivation local MLA A Pongshi Phom appealed to the Union Minister to consider sanctioning funds for Agri-Link roads to improve farm access, reduce transportation costs and strengthen rural markets.
President of Phom Peoples Council, YB Angam Phom, further requested the Centre to conduct a feasibility study for establishing a Regional Agriculture University and a dedicated Research Centre in Longleng to modernise traditional farming practices and promote sustainable, high-yield agriculture.
The council expressed hope that such initiatives could transform Longleng into an “Organic Knowledge Hub” of Nagaland.
Speakers also linked agricultural development to the broader aspirations of Eastern Nagaland, noting that the recently signed Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) agreement has generated renewed optimism regarding regional development.
During the visit, the Minister interacted with farmers, self-help groups and village functionaries at Orangkong village and reviewed presentations by Agriculture and Allied Departments.