Pfutsero, 29 July (MTNews): Taking a move towards empowering women and fostering agricultural growth, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, the Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, inaugurated the fruit and vegetable processing centre of the Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS) at T Chikri, Pfutsero. The ceremony, held on July 29, marked a momentous occasion for the society’s commitment to innovation and progress.
Speaking at the event, Kruse praised the Society’s dedication to excellence and its numerous contributions to various fields since its inception. The commissioning of the processing centre was hailed as “another milestone and a new chapter” that will propel the society towards even greater success in the future.
Kruse said this new vital addition is a testimony of the Society’s commitment to innovation, growth and a relentless pursuit of excellence to meet the evolving needs of the people.
“I am proud to know that the society has the privilege of partnering with both Government and non-governmental agencies tirelessly working for the upliftment of women and society. The CWWS has been doing exceptionally well, serving as an inspiration to our Naga women,” said Kruse.
Highlighting the Nagaland Government’s emphasis on sustainable livelihood programs in agriculture and horticulture, Minister Kruse informed that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s visionary leadership is keen on improving the nutritional and commercial value of crops. She said the Department of Horticulture is actively pursuing state-specific strategies to boost the production and productivity of fruits, vegetables, spices, and flowers.
The commissioning of the processing center aligns with the government’s objectives, and Minister Kruse expressed optimism that collaborative efforts would promote and expand local produce while uplifting women and society as a whole.
During the event, Minister Kruse also launched value-added products made from pineapple, lemon, spring onion, and banana stem, among others, further highlighting the potential for agricultural growth and value addition in the region.
Nezelu Nyekha, Director of CWWS, provided a glimpse of the society’s activities, stating that within six months, the unit had been upgraded under the ‘fruit and vegetable processing center project’. The initiative was made possible through CSR support from NEDFi and SBI General Insurance, as well as contributions from CWWS with a total cost of Rs1.30 lakhs.
Since its establishment, according to Nyekha, CWWS has focused on human development with an emphasis on empowering women and uplifting the Chakhesang Community. The society operates throughout the district of Phek, Nagaland, with every Chakhesang woman being a member.
The CWWS, she said, strives to improve the living conditions of the community, especially women, through initiatives in health, education, livelihood enhancement, promotion of traditional crafts and textiles, and the conservation of cultural heritage.
Following the inauguration, Minister Kruse visited the Horticulture Research Farm in Pfutsero, where she inspected plantations of persimmon, kiwi, plum, roses, and more, accompanied by officials from the Department of Horticulture.