Need to strengthen ‘One Crop One Village’ initiative
State chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio launched the Coffee Table Book of the 24th Dr. T. Ao Inter-District Football Trophy during the Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting-cum-Advent Christmas held at Phezou Resort, Tuophema village, Kohima, on November 24.
According to a DIPR report, the publication documents the journey of the tournament and honours the contributions of players, coaches and officials who have shaped its history. The meeting, chaired by Kohima deputy commissioner B. Henok Buchem, also reviewed several agenda items, including a detailed assessment of the Chief Minister’s ‘One Crop One Village’ initiative.
Welcoming members to his native village, Rio reflected on Tuophema’s history, recalling its ancestral migration from Chiechama and the contributions of early settlers, including World War II veterans. He emphasized the need to strengthen the “One Crop One Village” initiative and expressed satisfaction with the progress of cluster farming, noting that collective cultivation enhances commercial viability.
The chief minister encouraged promotion of avocado and persimmon, informing the Board that 12,000 avocado saplings had already been distributed. He also urged expansion of coffee cultivation, particularly in northern areas, where Nagaland’s coffee is gaining demand for its aroma, flavour and organic qualities. Rio reminded officers to work closely with farmers, stressing that Nagaland’s fertile soil is ideal for organic production and that stronger relationships with farmers would ensure effective implementation of government initiatives.
Agriculture department presented updates on cluster-based farming, highlighting crops such as ginger, potato, red rice, king chilli, maize, millet, garlic, rice bean and Job’s tears as having strong market potential. Kezoma was cited for its successful Millet Festival. Horticulture Department briefed the Board on crop suitability across the district, noting that kiwi and persimmon are suited to western and southern areas, citrus to the northern belt, and oranges to Kohima Sadar. It informed that the “One Crop One Village” model was first piloted in Khonoma and field visits have shown promising scope for expanding kiwi cultivation.
The meeting also discussed conducting future DPDB meetings in alternative locations across the district to enable closer interaction with villagers, on-site departmental reviews and improved grievance redressal.
The meeting was attended by minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse; advisor for School Education and SCERT, Kekhrielhoulie Yhome; advisor for Prison and Printing & Stationery, Kropol Vitsu; chairman of DPDB Kohima, Kevipodi Sophie; Dr. Tsielhoutuo Ato Rhutso MLA, departmental officials and DPDB members.
The programme concluded with an Advent Christmas celebration where Rio extended greetings, sharing that 2025 holds special significance for him and his family as it marks his 75th birthday, 50 years of marriage and 50 years of public service, now entering his 52nd year.
Kevipodi Sophie welcomed the gathering, describing the occasion as refreshing and meaningful in the cultural and historical setting of Tuophema. Tuophema Village Council chairman Pfudilhou Kense also addressed the gathering, while a special number was presented by Puo za bu Kemeyieu Chülie from the Botsa Baptist Khriesarüü Krotho.