Nagaland is going to be a completely organic state soon.
This was announced by state agriculture and corporation minister G Kaito Aye announced this on Tuesday in Kohima.
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The minister also said that an organic policy would be adopted in this regard.
He, however, added that efforts were also on to ensure that farmers were not deprived.
Aye was addressing an outreach-cum-buyer-seller meet on organic food production in the Northeast organised by Indian Chamber Commerce (ICC) in Kohima onTuesday.
Commenting on the current status of soil nutrient content in the state, the minister said the organic carbon content as per National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSSLUB), Nagpur was 0.75-3.00 per cent, making the products ‘organic by default’, according to reports.
He also announced that cold storage facilities would be commissioned by March next year to ensure that products are preserved and the farmers get their due.
Aye asserted that to facilitate stronger marketing access under the ownership of growers’ organization, the government had registered the brand as ‘Naga Organic’.
He, however, regretted that there was lack of market information and linkages with buyers, storage and cold chain facilities.
The minister also stressed that the State Government is taking positive measures to overcome the drawbacks and bottlenecks.
He assured all support to explore the prospects of organic food production in the State
Later, the minister also launched Naga Organic app developed by the State’s agriculture and horticulture department in collaboration with IT department.
State horticulture adviser Mhathung Yanthan while addressing the meet said the State Government was giving final shape to the ‘Nagaland State Organic Policy’.
He said it would be able to guide the farmers in transforming the State into an ‘organic hub by design’ from ‘organic by default’.
Senior government officials, investors, buyers and sellers from different states attended the programme.