The Department of Agriculture, under the FOCUS-IFAD Nagaland initiative, flagged off 23 reefer trucks with the theme ”Bridging Farms to Markets” at the Civil Secretariat ground in Kohima on Wednesday. The refrigerated vehicles are aimed at enhancing the supply chain for fruits and vegetables across Nagaland’s sixteen districts.
Delivering his message at the event, MLA and Advisor to the Department of Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, lauded the FOCUS-IFAD Project Nagaland team for what he described as a “remarkable achievement” and one of the “best things that has happened for the people of Nagaland.” He emphasized that the reefer trucks would facilitate the seamless transportation of locally produced fruits and vegetables, connecting producers directly to markets.
Addressing the Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) benefiting from the initiative, Yanthan cautioned against using the vehicles for individual gain. “With such a facility comes greater responsibility. The vans must serve the entire farming community and not just a few,” he said. He urged the FPOs to operate the vehicles efficiently and effectively, positioning themselves as vital service providers and strengthening the market linkage for farmers.
Yanthan also encouraged FPOs to collaborate closely and transform the market scenario in Nagaland, aspiring for economic independence through the department’s initiative.
The ceremony was attended by Commissioner & Secretary and State Project Director of FOCUS Nagaland, Shanavas C, IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner & Mission Director, FOCUS-Nagaland, Wezope Kenye, IAS, along with FPO representatives and beneficiaries.