Flags off tractors, pickup trucks under CMCF
DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): State chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Saturday called upon farmers to focus on organic farming, value addition and embrace mechanisation to transform agriculture into a sustainable and profitable sector, saying the future of Nagaland’s economy depended on strengthening its farming community.
Speaking after flagging off 35 tractors and six pickup trucks distributed under the Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund (CMCF) at the Agri Expo, Chümoukedima, the chief minister said nearly 70% of Nagaland’s population depended on agriculture, making it the backbone of the State’s economy.
According to a DIPR report, the chief minister also encouraged farmers to make optimum use of the State’s fertile land by adopting modern farming techniques to improve productivity and livelihoods.
Rio said the tractors and pickup trucks distributed under the CMCF complemented machinery already being provided through the agriculture and allied departments and would help promote mechanisation for more productive and sustainable farming.
Recalling his own experience as a young farmer, Rio said procuring a tractor in those days had been a major challenge, adding that mechanisation had significantly improved his farming activities. He urged beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly and not sell it, but instead maximise its potential to enhance agricultural production and income.
Encouraging farmers to become progressive entrepreneurs, Rio stressed the need to adopt new technologies and continuously improve their skills.
He said the government could facilitate development through various schemes, but lasting economic progress would depend on the efforts of farmers, entrepreneurs and businesses. Referring to the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”, he said widespread prosperity among citizens was essential to achieving the goal of a developed nation.
Highlighting Nagaland’s potential for organic farming, Rio urged farmers to focus on producing high-value organic crops and promoting value addition to agricultural produce. He said the State has immense opportunities in the sector and called on farmers to work towards making Nagaland self-reliant while contributing meaningfully to the vision of a developed India.
Accompanied by advisor for home guards & civil defence, fire & emergency services, S. Kiusumew Yimchunger, advisor for airways and railways A. Pongshi Phom, and Y. Lima Onen Chang, MLA.
Earlier in his speech, principal secretary & development commissioner, Y. Kikheto Sema, said the state government introduced the distribution of tractors and power tillers under the CMCF in 2006-07. He stated that the initiative was launched to promote agricultural mechanisation as traditional methods were no longer economically viable.
He informed that since the inception of the programme, the state government has distributed 224 tractors and 262 power tillers to beneficiaries across the State. He said the initiative aims to strengthen food security, improve farmers’ livelihoods and transform agriculture into a more productive, sustainable and commercially viable sector.
For the financial year 2025-26, he informed that the government procured 35 tractors of Mahindra and New Holland brands, along with the required accessories, at a cost of Rs.3.30 crore for distribution to 35 beneficiaries under the CMCF. He further stated that, for the first time, six pickup trucks have also been provided under the Chief Minister’s Pool Fund.
The programme was conducted by assistant planning officer, P. Yongnyu Phom.