Khonoma, 15 September (MTNews): Aimed at transforming the horticulture landscape in the state, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, the Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, inaugurated the Horticulture Model Village (HMV) at Khonoma Village today. This project, the first of its kind in the state, is an initiative led by the Department of Horticulture under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for the year 2023-2024.
Under this project, sixteen villages, one in each district, have been chosen for their role in spearheading the increased production of horticultural crops. These crops include kiwi, citrus, banana, pineapple, dragon fruit, Naga mircha, and more. The initiative seeks to not only boost crop production but also uplift the economic opportunities for farmers across the state.
During the launch event, Minister Kruse outlined the purpose and significance of the Horticulture Model Village. She emphasized that HMV was conceived to revolutionize horticultural development activities within the state, focusing on enhancing productivity and economic prospects for farmers. HMV aims to promote horticulture development in a comprehensive manner.
Minister Kruse stressed that under this program, farmers would adopt innovative and modern agricultural technologies to improve horticultural production and, consequently, bolster their economic well-being.
Encouraging the farmers to sincerely take up the project, Kruse said while the government and department will provide all support, it is the duty of the farmers to execute in action. She also exuded confidence on the expertise and efficient officers of the department towards successful implementation of the project to take the economy of the state forward.
Head of Department, Directorate of Horticulture, Meyasashi in his introductory speech said that its approach is to develop “one village one crop” as a model for self-sufficiency and sustainability which will support the livelihood of both the rural and urban population of the state.
He informed that kiwi plantation will be taken up in Khonoma village covering 30 hectares. He also stated that other existing schemes in the department will be converged into this project with the diversification of crops along with kiwi.
Modern technology and practices will be applied in this project for efficiency and increase of production.
Later, the Minister also distributed vegetable seeds, vermicompost kits, farming tools etc to the farmers.