Nagaland won the ‘Best State in Horticulture Award 2024’ in the Agriculture Leadership Awards for the state’s outstanding work in introducing innovative programmes and policies for horticulture development, positively touching the lives of large number of farmers and rural people.
Women Resource Development and Horticulture minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse received the award on behalf of the state government at the Agriculture Leadership Conclave at Hotel Holiday Inn, Aerocity, New Delhi on Wednesday evening.
The Agriculture Leadership Awards was instituted in 2008 for recognising excellence and leadership roles played by individuals and organisations towards the development of Indian agriculture and bringing about rural prosperity. These awards are given annually to encourage and recognise the efforts that had made significant contributions in agriculture, livestock, social and rural development, and positively impacted the lives of millions of farmers.
The award was given to Nagaland considering the fact that horticulture sector is considered as the ‘sunrise sector’ of the state and its activities had enhanced livelihoods of the people and improved the economic conditions of the farmers, created farm diversification and employment opportunities, while at the same time ensuring nutritional security and ecological sustainability.
The state has achieved geographical indication (GI) registration of three horticultural crops — Naga Mircha, Naga Tree Tomato and Naga Sweet Cucumber. The Department of Horticulture has mobilised the formation of 13 farmers producers companies (FPCs) and so far been able to bring an area of 6,800 ha under organic certification. The department’s initiative has been fruitful in the recognition of the FPCs with several accolades at the national level for their contribution and success towards organic production of pineapple, kiwi and large cardamom.
Considering the requirement of production of more food and to attain self sufficiency, the department initiated 100 vegetable villages covering 10,000 households across the state. The department also initiated and launched air cargo service in the state for entrepreneurs and traders, and has been significantly promoting market linkages for horticulture produces like Naga Organic Pineapple and Organic Kiwi to other parts of the country.
The state has a promising venture in cultivation of exotic crops such as kiwi, dragon fruit, avocado and persimmon. The department has also introduced the concept of ‘Horticulture Model Village’ wherein one crop one village had been adopted in 16 villages across the state for an overall perspective and to boost the horticulture developmental activities in a holistic manner.
With the opportunities available in horticulture sector, the department would continue to strive in the enhancement of horticulture production and economic upliftment of the farmers. This was stated in a press release by press secretary to Salhoutuonuo Kruse.