Nagaland has been honored with the prestigious “Best State in Horticulture Award 2024” at the Agriculture Leadership Awards, highlighting the state’s innovative horticulture initiatives. Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse accepted the award in New Delhi, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting rural prosperity and sustainable agriculture.
Horticulture Development Initiatives
Nagaland’s success in horticulture is rooted in key policies aimed at enhancing nutrition and the economy through diverse farming and organic certification. Significant strides have been made, including the registration of Naga Mircha, Naga Tree Tomato, and Naga Sweet Cucumber as Geographical Indications (GI). This not only increased the market value of these products but also protected the region’s native heritage.
Institution of Farmer’s Producer Companies
A pivotal aspect of Nagaland’s horticulture success is the establishment of 13 Farmers’ Producer Companies (FPCs). These FPCs have been instrumental in promoting organic farming across 6,800 hectares, earning international recognition and national awards for crops such as pineapple, kiwi, and large cardamom.
About Farmers’ Producer Companies (FPCs)
Formation and Structure: Enabled by the Companies Act of 2002, FPCs allow farmers to pool resources and negotiate better deals. They require at least ten producer members or two institutions to operate, with no upper limit on membership. Each member has one vote in the democratic management system.
Government Support and Tax Benefits: FPCs benefit from schemes like the Equity Grant and Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme, offering government support. Additionally, up to INR 100 crore in income from FPC operations is tax-exempt, encouraging collective farming and sustainable practices.
Impact on Farmers: FPCs have significantly improved market access for small farms, reduced transaction costs, and facilitated the adoption of new technologies. By pooling resources and collaborating, farmers achieve better prices, more efficient operations, and higher overall productivity.
Market Integration and Expansion
To enhance market access, the Department of Horticulture has initiated air shipping services for Naga Organic Pineapple and Organic Kiwi, improving the distribution of Nagaland’s products across India. Another notable project is the creation of “100 vegetable villages,” aimed at supporting 10,000 families. This initiative not only boosts food production but also fosters self-sufficiency within communities.
Promotion of Exotic and Native Horticulture
Nagaland is advancing sustainable agriculture by cultivating exotic crops like kiwi and dragon fruit and introducing the innovative concept of a “Horticultural Model Village.” In this model, each village specializes in a single crop, optimizing resource use and increasing productivity.
Summing Up
Nagaland’s achievements in horticulture are a testament to the state’s innovative policies and commitment to sustainable development. By focusing on diverse farming, organic certification, and market integration, Nagaland has set a benchmark for other regions to follow. The “Best State in Horticulture Award 2024” is a well-deserved recognition of these efforts, paving the way for continued growth and prosperity in the state’s agricultural sector.
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