Nagaland signs MoU to boost horticulture value chain

DIMAPUR, MAY 14 (NPN): In a step toward strengthening Nagaland’s horticulture ecosystem and enhancing farmer livelihoods, the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland on Thursday signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Natural Fuel India and Sathwaro Farming Group to develop a sustainable and inclusive horticulture value chain in Nagaland under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. According to a DIPR report, the MoU signing ceremony was held at the office chamber of the commissioner and secretary of the Horticulture Department on May 14.
The collaboration seeks to establish a long-term framework of cooperation between the government and private sector stakeholders to promote contract farming, cluster-based cultivation, post-harvest management, processing and value addition of horticultural produce in the state.
The initiative aims to leverage private sector expertise, technology and market access while ensuring greater participation and benefits for local farmers. Under the agreement, the partners would focus on developing pineapple cultivation clusters and strengthening cultivation of other high-value horticultural crops such as Kiwi, Litchi, Rambutan and spices.
The project also envisages establishment of solar dehydration units, cold chain facilities and efficient market linkages for both domestic and export markets.
The department informed that PPP model was expected to create an integrated horticulture ecosystem connecting production, processing, logistics and marketing while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving farmers’ incomes across the state. The department stated that the partnership reflected the government’s commitment to encouraging responsible private sector participation in agriculture and horticulture development, with emphasis on value addition, entrepreneurship and rural economic growth.
Sathwaro Farming Group, established in 2008 in Gujarat, has expertise in modern farming and export-oriented agriculture. Natural Fuel India, part of Pristine Foods, has been working on promoting Nagaland’s organically grown agro-produce through processing and value addition.