DIMAPUR: The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA) has launched a Charity Cabbage Sales initiative on Thursday in Kohima to assist distressed farmers of the Razeba Range in Phek District, who have been severely affected by market disruptions in Manipur. The first phase began with the sale of 30,000 kgs of cabbage, with a target of 1 lakh kgs to reduce crop wastage.
The initiative was formally launched by minister for Horticulture & Women Resource Development, Government of Nagaland, Salhoutuonuo Kruse. Speaking at the programme, she highlighted the challenges faced by farmers due to the blockade in Manipur, which has restricted access to external markets. She thanked tEA for stepping forward to support farmers and urged the public to buy local produce, stating, “Selling cabbage today is not just merely about selling vegetables. These are the vegetables that address hunger and keep us healthy. We must support and respect our local farmers.”
CEO of tEA, Neichute Doulo, expressed gratitude to the Department of Horticulture and the minister for their support. He emphasized the need for long-term interventions such as warehouses with mini solar cold storage and agri kiosks along NH-29 to ensure market access for horticultural produce. Doulo noted that while Nagaland has fertile land, agriculture will remain at subsistence level unless commercial farming is promoted.
Community leaders estimate that 300 to 400 metric tonnes of cabbage are currently at risk of spoilage. Doulo said the initiative aims to prevent at least 25–30 percent of potential losses by bringing the produce to market. He recalled tEA’s long association with cabbage and potato farmers in Phek since 2003, including interventions such as loans, marketing support and regional business meetings that helped scale production and improve market access. The launch programme also saw participation from departmental advisors, officials including Commissioner and Secretary Akumla Chuba, and pastor Kedo Peseyie of City Church, who blessed the initiative. The month-long sales drive is expected to provide immediate relief to farmers while strengthening local market networks.
