A major milestone for Nagaland’s farmers was achieved as the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd. (NERAMAC) made its first successful purchase of 25 metric tonnes (25,000 kg) of fresh ginger from Tuensang district.
The procurement was facilitated by Social Enterprise Ecosystem Development (SEED), a Tuensang-based NGO working to uplift farmers through sustainable agricultural practices and better market access.
Limeka T Awomi from SEED expressed gratitude to NERAMAC for the purchase while pointing out the difficulties that continue to burden local farmers.
“The bad road conditions and high transportation charges remain huge challenges. The market rate is also unpredictable,” she said, noting that farmers use no pesticides, chemicals or fertilizers, and plant in new locations every year to maintain soil health.
Speaking to MT, Ariba Anar, State Coordinator of NERAMAC (a CPSE under Ministry of DoNER) assured that more procurement of ginger and other agri-allied products will follow, provided prices remain competitive with neighbouring states.
“The orders are huge. We encourage our farmers to continue their natural cultivation practices, keeping health as the first priority,” he said.
Toking Yimchunger, EAC Tuensang, joined the send-off of the first batch of the 25 MT ginger consignment. NERAMAC conveyed appreciation to all stakeholders, including the Tuensang District Administration, for their cooperation in the procurement process and reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate in future developmental efforts for nation building.