Industries Director urges scale-up of citronella and lemongrass farming for export
The Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland, inaugurated a newly constructed office building for the Project Officer (Entrepreneurship Promotion) at the Training-cum-Production Centre, Sirhima, in Chümoukedima district on Thursday.
The office was officially inaugurated by P Tokugha Sema, Director of Industries and Commerce, in the presence of departmental officials, staff, village elders, Gaon Buras, members of the Sirhima Village Council, the local pastor, and community members.
In his keynote address, Director Tokugha Sema lauded the efforts of the staff at the Training-cum-Production Centre and called for renewed commitment to excellence. He emphasized the need to scale up citronella and lemongrass cultivation in the region, identifying them as high-value economic plants with strong potential in both domestic and international markets.
Highlighting the unique advantage that Nagaland holds in cultivating naturally organic citronella and lemon grass, the Director noted that the quality of locally produced citronella and lemon grass surpasses that of many commercial variants available in the market. He also pointed out its rising global demand and the potential for Nagaland to tap into the international essential oils market, thereby increasing rural income and sustainable livelihoods.
He further urged the community to take collective responsibility in protecting and preserving Government infrastructure and assets, emphasizing that such developments are for the benefit of the entire State and the region.
The inaugural program was chaired by Temjenrenla Longchar, Assistant Director (EP), and included a dedicatory prayer led by Lhunlam Thomsong, Pastor of Sirhima Village Baptist Church. Onthang Hoakip, Chairman of the Sirhima Village Council, expressed the community’s gratitude and pledged continued support for the centre’s activities.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Nukeulemla Longchar, Superintendent (EP), who acknowledged the contributions of the Department, the village, and all stakeholders involved in the project.