Lack of assured markets for farmers, a non-functional collection centre, the need for better inter-departmental coordination and challenges facing government livestock facilities were among the issues discussed as agriculture and allied departments presented progress under various schemes during the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting on Monday.
Presenting the status of integrated farming, the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) informed the meeting that more than 100 villages in Mokokchung district are practicing integrated farming. Responding to Loksabha Member of Parliament Supongmeren Jamir’s query on whether the department had identified farmers or products for sustained production over the next three years, officials said, “It is a little risky for undergoing mass production since the government agencies are not in a position to guarantee market.” They added that generating more market avenues would be necessary before encouraging large-scale production.
During the Agriculture Department’s presentation, Jamir asked whether the district had collection centres for farmers. Officials informed the meeting that one collection centre exists at Aliba Village but “it is not functioning this year.” They further stated that details relating to the centres were handled by the Directorate, saying, “All are done from the Directorate.” Jamir encouraged the department to establish more collection centres to improve market access for farmers.
The MP also sought information on custom hiring centres and transportation support. While officials said custom hiring centres exist, they informed the meeting that the district currently has no transportation vehicle for agricultural produce.
Reviewing the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), the department informed the meeting that one or two clusters are generally taken up in a financial year.
On the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Jamir noted that six departments are implementing six missions under the scheme and stressed the need for better coordination among them. He directed the departments to hold a joint coordination meeting under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma and submit a report on its outcome at the next DISHA meeting.
The Horticulture Department informed the meeting that Nagaland is implementing three centrally sponsored schemes – Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), PMKSY and RKVY. Officials identified orange, pineapple, cabbage, tomato and ginger as some of the crops suitable for Mokokchung district and said 497 beneficiaries are currently covered under the three schemes. While the department reported that the beneficiaries were performing well, Jamir sought beneficiary-wise details, including names, villages and cultivated areas. Verma suggested developing neighboring villages into production clusters to strengthen implementation.
Presenting the status of livestock programs, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department informed the meeting that African Swine Fever (ASF) had killed nearly half of the pigs at the state breeding farm, following which breeding stock was no longer being sold. Jamir directed the department to submit a detailed report on the status of the facility.
The department also informed the meeting that the State Hatchery Unit in Mokokchung has six functional sheds with a maximum rearing capacity of 6,000 chicks. However, officials said chicks are currently being brought from Assam for rearing at the facility. Taking note of the matter, Jamir asked the department to resubmit its proposal to the Directorate and keep him apprised of its progress.
The meeting also reviewed presentations by the Departments of Soil and Water Conservation and BSNL, while progress under schemes implemented by the Departments of Rural Development, Public Health Engineering, Social Welfare, School Education and Health & Family Welfare was also reviewed.