Nagaland Kenye distributes tools at Chizami

Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, on Monday distributed tools and equipment to Kezuwe and Lethse Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) for Chizami, Kepolu VDVK for Mesulumi, and VDVK Khomi under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) at a function held at Chizami, Phek district.
The initiative was sponsored by TRIFED, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, and organised by the Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM).
Addressing the gathering, Kenye underscored the importance of strengthening the rural economy through sustainable agricultural practices. He noted that while awareness programmes and trainings are often held indoors, real transformation lies in working directly with the land.
Highlighting Nagaland as one of the world’s five major biodiversity hotspots, Kenye urged the community to harness its natural advantages rather than allow them to be overshadowed by external influences.
He said the state has the potential to produce and export a wide range of local goods if communities adopt new perspectives and utilise modern tools and machinery.
While acknowledging the role of technology, the minister maintained that manual effort remains vital, especially in sectors such as organic farming, fruits and vegetables, handlooms, handicrafts, and other local produce.
Kenye also pointed out the untapped potential of the honey sector and called for a streamlined value chain—from production and processing to packaging and export—to develop it into a strong economic asset.
He reiterated that the rural economy is the backbone of Naga society and must be continuously strengthened to ensure long-term sustainability, especially in the face of rapidly changing trends and short-lived high-profile activities. He encouraged local entrepreneurs to take proactive steps in contributing to the state’s economic growth.
The minister also expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the NBHM team for prioritising honey-based initiatives and fostering rural development.
Superintendent of Police Phek, Dr. Pritpal Kaur, also addressed the gathering and encouraged people to adopt organic farming. She urged Self Help Groups (SHGs) to leverage technology to enhance production.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Er. Khuvoyi Vese, Deputy Team Leader, NBHM. GB Kezutsutso Wezah delivered the welcome address, while Dezele Thopi spoke on behalf of the Van Dhan beneficiaries.