Farmers’ day at Longkhum

The first-ever Farmers’ Day programme was held at Longkhum village, organised by Longkhum Integrated Multi-purpose Co-operative Society (LIMPCS) and the village community under the theme “Empowering the farmers for a prosperous Nation” on July 26.
Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan attended the event as guest of honour.
In his address, Yanthan said his visit aimed to understand farmers’ issues and discuss solutions. He praised the programme’s theme as timely and appreciated LIMPCS for the initiative.
Commending Longkhum farmers for preserving traditional practices, he noted the village’s reputation in tomato cultivation and tourism. He also lauded the organisers for involving various villages and tribes, highlighting the importance of community collaboration in farming.
Encouraging income-based and sustainable farming practices, Yanthan urged farmers to adopt enterprise-based approaches and blend modern techniques with traditional methods. He acknowledged climate change, labour shortages, and high wages as key challenges, suggesting mechanisation and crop diversification as possible solutions.
He emphasized the need for better post-harvest infrastructure and closer cooperation with the Agriculture Department. He further assured that government policies and technical systems tailored to local topography were underway to support farmers.
The event began with an invocation by Rev. T. Aka Jamir, followed by a welcome speech from LIMPCS chairman Rongsen Ani. Exhortations were delivered by various farming representatives and the Longkhum Tourism Board. A special song was presented by Matang Mongro. LIMPCS secretary Nungshi Lkr gave the vote of thanks, and benediction was offered by Pastor Dr. Zilu Sor of NCRC Longkhum.