Horticulture for economic progress

Horticulture has enormous potential to contribute to the economic development of Nagaland by creating employment opportunities, diversifying agriculture, promoting value addition and exports, and contributing to sustainable development. Predominantly an agricultural economy, horticulture is one of the major components of agriculture in the state. Horticulture refers to the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. It is a high-value and labor-intensive activity that can generate employment opportunities and income for small and marginal farmers.

Horticulture can help diversify the agricultural sector in Nagaland, reducing the reliance on traditional crops such as rice and maize. This can help spread the risk of crop failure due to weather conditions, pests, and diseases, and create new income streams for farmers. Horticulture products such as pineapples, kiwis, oranges, and passion fruits have high export potential due to their quality and taste. Horticulture can help farmers tap into national and international markets, increasing their income and contributing to economic growth.

Horticulture can also help add value to agricultural products through processing and packaging, making them more attractive to consumers and increasing their market value. This can help generate additional income for farmers and create employment opportunities in processing and packaging industries.

Horticulture is a labor-intensive activity that can generate employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers, including women and youth. This can help reduce rural-urban migration and create a more balanced development across the state.

Horticulture is a sustainable agricultural activity that can help preserve natural resources and promote eco-friendly practices such as organic farming, conservation of biodiversity, and soil and water conservation. This can help improve the overall quality of life for farmers and contribute to the sustainable development of Nagaland.

With the right policies and support from the government and other stakeholders, horticulture can help transform the agricultural sector in Nagaland and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the state. To fully realize the potential of horticulture in contributing to economic development in Nagaland, the government and other stakeholders can implement several policies and provide support.

The government can provide adequate infrastructure such as roads, cold storage facilities, and markets to facilitate the transportation and marketing of horticulture produce. This can help reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of produce, making it more attractive to buyers. The government can invest in research and development to develop new varieties of horticultural crops that are suitable for Nagaland’s climate and soil conditions. This can help increase productivity, improve quality, and promote disease resistance.

Besides, the government can provide extension services and financial support, promote market linkages, and provide capacity building programs for farmers. The government can also promote public-private partnerships to leverage the strengths of both sectors to promote horticulture.

The success of the Cucumber Festival of Aliba Village is a glaring example of the scope and potential that horticulture has to offer for economic development of Nagaland through horticulture. Apart from the government playing its role efficiently, the farmers must also grow more in order to reap the benefits of economies of scale. Society must also undergo a perceptual change and accord due respect and dignity to the farming community.