Workshop on quality planting materials in Wokha

A one-day workshop-cum-distribution programme on quality planting materials was held at the DC’s Conference Hall, Wokha, on February 17 under the Cluster Development Programme for Medicinal, Aromatic, Floriculture and Apiculture crops.
The initiative is being implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the District Administration, Wokha, Government of Nagaland and CSIR–North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), Jorhat, in collaboration with ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Wokha.
Delivering the special address, Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Vineet Kumar, outlined the long-term vision of transforming Wokha into a model district under the cluster development framework. He informed that the programme is being introduced in phases, with crop identification based on local suitability and market demand. Chamomile has been identified as a suitable floriculture crop for the district, given its short cultivation cycle of around three months and promising revenue potential.
The DC emphasised that the initiative goes beyond cultivation, incorporating technical training on scientific production methods, harvesting techniques, post-harvest management, and essential oil extraction. He also mentioned that establishing centralised post-harvest processing facilities may be explored to promote value addition. Highlighting the integration of apiculture with floriculture, Kumar said flowering crops naturally support honey production. Around 100 bee boxes are proposed for phased distribution, with training in scientific beekeeping practices and locally fabricating bee boxes to encourage self-reliance.
He assured that market linkages would be facilitated through collaboration with CSIR–NEIST, including quality testing and connecting growers with buyers.
Stressing that assured market access is a key component, he urged farmers to take ownership of the initiative and not rely solely on government support.
Chairing the programme, Skill Development Officer Anuranjan Singh highlighted the importance of scientific intervention and inter-departmental coordination in strengthening agriculture and allied sectors. SMS (Agricultural Extension) and CTO, ICAR–KVK Wokha, Dr. B. L. Mhalo Tungoe, also underscored the role of technical guidance, training, and quality inputs in advancing rural agriculture.
The technical session featured presentations by Dr. V. R. Singh, Project Director, RCFC NER, CSIR–NEIST, Jorhat; Raghu Tamang, Research Scholar, CSIR–NEIST; and Satya Saikia, Apiculture and Honey Bee Expert, CSIR–NEIST. Experts shared insights on scientific cultivation, value addition strategies, and best management practices in medicinal and aromatic crops, floriculture, and beekeeping.
An interactive feedback session followed, bringing together officials from the District administration, CSIR–NEIST, ICAR–KVK, and participants to deliberate on challenges, opportunities, and future strategies for cluster-based agricultural development.
The programme concluded with the distribution of quality planting materials to beneficiaries, marking a step forward in strengthening cultivation practices and promoting an agri-based economy in Wokha.