To implement Mission Organic Value Chain Development – North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) phase-III programme under the supervision of the Agriculture department, Nagaland, the Green Caravan Nagaland has initiated the formation of Farmers Interest Group (FIG).
In a press release, publicity team of The Green Caravan stated that under the programme, seven districts- Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Mon, Longleng and Tuensang will be covered.
More than 100 villages will be covered in all seven districts under the project and for this, high value crops like ginger, potato, green chilli etc for commercial purpose have been selected, said chairman of The Green Caravan, Richard Belho.
He further stated that the FIGs will further federate into a Farmer Producer Organization/Company.
The Green Caravan has started formation of FIGs from Kohima district in the last week of July 2021, where a total of 16 villages have been covered.
The first village included in the FIG formation was Jakhama village.
Lead farmer for Jakhama village, Deizenuo Viswentso asserted that the farmers strictly practice organic farming and also shared on the problems faced during ginger cultivation.
Project associates of The Green Caravan, Manen Ozukum and Thejaseto Terhujah highlighted the beneficiaries on the aspects of the MOVCD-NER programme.
A farm inspection session was conducted to assess the progress of the cultivation where irregularity in rainfall was highlighted by the farmers and stated that they were trying their best to find alternate ways to ensure proper and timely irrigation. The team also visited, Kigwema, Mezo Basa and Jotsoma, where FIGs have been installed.
Sharing the aspects of MOVCD-NER Phase-III, Richard Belho informed the gathering on the ongoing works of The Green Caravan and assured help in all ways possible.
It may be noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated a scheme for development of commercial organic farming in the North East region during 2015 which later became to be known as “Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region” (MOVCDNER).