DIMAPUR: The NPF Central Farmers Wing (CFW), led by president and former minister Y. Vikheho Swu, visited Pughoboto division on May 23 as part of its “Statewide Appreciative Enquiry Tour”.
Addressing the gathering at Pughoboto Town Hall, Vikheho highlighted several government schemes including NSRLM, CMMFI, IDAN initiatives and programmes under MSME, urging farmers to gather information from concerned departments. He stressed the importance of maintaining quality in production to remain unique, competitive and commercially viable. Conveying greetings on behalf of the Chief Minister, he informed that three separate teams were touring different parts of the state simultaneously.
Vikheho said the Farmers Wing was not merely an office for distributing schemes but a platform to understand farmers’ challenges, convey grievances to the government and identify loopholes in existing policies. He questioned who truly benefits from subsidies when many hardworking farmers continue to work without support. Referring to Nagaland’s SDG 2030 goals in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, he stated that the state has envisioned becoming self-sustainable by 2030, while the Government of India has launched the Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative. He urged farmers to reflect on their contribution towards these visions, which focus on youth, women, the poor and the downtrodden.
Speaking on the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, Vikheho expressed concern that while several districts had identified and promoted products, Pughoboto had yet to contribute a recognised product. He encouraged people to identify quality produce unique to their areas, recalling that the Chief Minister proudly carries only “Made in Nagaland” products to Delhi, but none from Pughoboto has yet reached that platform.
Highlighting modern farming and technological adaptation, Vikheho described ICAR-KVK as an important technical resource for farmers. He urged them to adopt scientific practices, diversify alongside traditional Jhum cultivation, and explore profitable crops such as kiwi, persimmon, avocado and coffee. He noted that Pughoboto remains a pioneer in coffee production, with Nagaland coffee now reaching world-class standards, citing the recently launched coffee cluster initiative at Tuophema and Ghotovi village.
At the same time, Vikheho emphasized that Jhum cultivation should not be abandoned, as it carries immense indigenous knowledge and remains deeply connected to Naga culture and traditions. He encouraged diversification while preserving traditional systems, stressing that Jhum helps farmers understand the ecosystem, including the role of plants, insects and trees. He also highlighted allied avenues of income generation such as animal fodder, compost production and floriculture.
Concluding his address, Vikheho thanked the Farmers Wings from various divisions and the Central Women’s Wing for their support and participation.
Delivering keynote addresses, CFW vice president Hyusin Thyug emphasized that the relationship between the Sumi Aphuyemi and Rengma communities has always been cordial and rooted in mutual respect.
He noted that the central team had visited areas that were well developed, those requiring development, and those currently progressing, adding that Y. Vikheho Swu is a leader needed by both the government and the state.
Rukravolie Rulho, secretary CFW and PA to Chief Minister, said the tour aimed to encourage farming and prevent land from lying uncultivated. Hibo, vice president CFW, urged divisions to encourage farmers and submit timely reports.
As part of the tour, the team visited Ghathashi, interacting with farmers at a bee-keeping farm run by Tokheho Achumi and a community Jhum farm cultivated by Ghathashi Baptist Church in aid of church building construction. Vikheho was accompanied by officials from the Central Farmers Wing, Central Women’s Wing and office bearers from Aghunato and Tseminyu divisions.
