Says Nagaland can become ‘Coffee State’ of India
The second edition of Nerhema Organic Day-cum-Khuvie Nyi and the inauguration of a multi-utility community hall was celebrated at Nerhema village on September 6, in collaboration with the Horticulture Department and Nagaland Bio-Resource Mission.
Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday said Nagaland had the potential to be recognised as the “Coffee State of India”, after a delegation from the Coffee Board of India expressed keen interest in the State’s plantations.
Speaking as special guest at the 2nd edition of Nerhema Organic Day-cum-Khuvie Nyi and the inauguration of a multi-utility community hall at Nerhema village, Rio said the development was a promising opportunity for farmers and the State’s economy.
He lauded the concept of an “Organic Festival”, describing it as both timely and significant in today’s health-conscious world where organic food commanded premium value in the market. Rio pointed out that organic certification not only promoted healthy living but also enabled farmers to secure premium prices for their produce. He reminded that Nagas had traditionally consumed organic food, which carried nutritional and medicinal value, citing Khuvie (Chives) as an example.
Earlier, while inaugurating the Elders’ Forum building at Chiephobozou, Rio urged the Forum to guide today’s youth by imparting wisdom and correcting “what is right, what is wrong and what is forbidden” for a better future.
While stating that the structure was a concrete achievement of community unity, Rio emphasised that true development could only take place when people worked together, remarking that even adequate funding could not deliver results in the absence of harmony and collective spirit.
Rio further underlined the need for health consciousness and mindful eating habits, encouraging people to embrace locally grown, organic and medicinally valuable produce.
Concluding his address, Rio pledged continued government support for such initiatives in partnership with relevant departments, assuring that the State government would promote festivals that sustain tradition while advancing economic growth.
In her brief address, Ayieno Hibo, director Horticulture department, said that the occasion was not just about the crops but was about farmers, traditions and the strength of the local produce.
She said that farmers have nurtured the crop for generations where their knowledge, patience and dedication have kept the khuvie cultivation alive.
She urged the farmers to contribute to fulfilling the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. She informed that the value addition programmes would also be imparted to farmers in future.
Earlier, Rio inaugurated the new multipurpose community hall, which was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Tseibu Rutsa, president of Nerhema Dieliekevi Liethomia Krotho.
The invocation was pronounced by Rev. Vilanyü Usou, pastor of NBC and welcome address by Vingutuo Rutsa, chairman of Nerhema Village Council.
The event was chaired by Kekhriengulie Theünuo, member organising committee; keynote address by Keyasetuo Kengurüse, convenor organising committee while the building report was delivered by Neiketouzo Kengurüse, member organising committee
Short speeches were also delivered by Dr. Kruolalie Tsürho, team leader of NBRM. Special songs by Thejaneinuo Kiewhuo and Harmony voice. The Vote of thanks was delivered by Sevilie Kerhiio, president of Nerhemia Dzevi Houzha.