Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio distributed 35 tractors and six Tata Mobile vehicles under the Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund (CMCF) during a programme organised by the planning and transformation department at the Agri Expo, Chümoukedima, on Saturday.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Rio urged farmers to make full use of their fields by adopting modern agricultural practices to increase productivity and improve their livelihoods.
Stating that the state is blessed with fertile land, he said nearly 70% of Nagaland’s population is engaged in farming, making agriculture the backbone of the state’s economy.
Rio said the distribution of tractors and Tata Mobiles under the CMCF is in addition to the machinery being provided through the agriculture and allied departments, adding that the initiative is aimed at supporting farmers with mechanisation and making agriculture more productive and sustainable.
The CM urged the beneficiaries not to sell the tractors or other equipment but to utilise them effectively to increase agricultural production and income.
He exhorted them to become progressive farmers by embracing new technologies and improving their skills.
Rio said while the government can facilitate development through various schemes, lasting economic growth also depends on the contribution of entrepreneurs, businesses and individuals.
He stressed that prosperity among the people is essential for the overall development of the country.
Calling upon farmers to focus on organic farming and value addition, he said Nagaland has immense potential in agriculture and urged them to work hard towards making the state self-reliant and ensuring that Nagaland contributes meaningfully to the vision of a developed India.