Yanthan urges farmers to shift from subsistence to enterprise

Kohima, OCT 6 (NPN): Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, on Tuesday urged farmers to shift from subsistence to enterprise, stressing the need for technology driven agriculture, value addition, and collective marketing.
Speaking at the second edition of the Village Fair 2026, held under the theme “Empowering Farmers & Entrepreneurs” and powered under LADF 2026 at Chozuba Town Local Ground, Yanthan lauded the organisers for creating a platform for farmers, government departments and stakeholders to converge. He described the fair as a “meeting point” and emphasised collective efforts to advance the farming community. Extending greetings from chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Yanthan said the event celebrated the hard work and entrepreneurship of rural communities, while highlighting the agricultural potential of Phek district and Nagaland. He encouraged them to view agriculture as an opportunity rich sector encompassing processing, logistics, machinery, digital services, agri tourism and allied activities.
Organised by Green Village Link (GVL) in collaboration with various departments and institutions including Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Industries & Commerce, Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Sericulture, Horticulture, Land Resources, NBHM, ICAR KVK Porba, NKVIB, NABARD, NSICB, SBI, NBDA, RO NSRLM and CWWS. The fair featured around 90 stalls showcasing local produce, traditional vegetables, fruits, farm and forest products. A free medical clinic was also set up by Medical Department.
Host of the programme, advisor for CAWD, Kudecho Khamo, called upon the community to cultivate a working culture and embrace entrepreneurship. Referring to the Biblical teaching to “work and eat,” he said initiatives such as “One Family, One Project” were creating momentum among the people. He urged farmers to build trust with banks and marketing agencies, stressing that business and enterprise offered wide opportunities beyond government jobs.
Advisor for Airways & Railways, A. Pongshi Phom, who attended as guest of honour, noted that Chozuba had produced many prominent leaders. He urged Nagas to build economic activities around local strengths rather than following trends, and highlighted the growing demand for organic farming and its potential benefits.
The programme was led by Vekhozo, convenor of the Event Management Committee, and began with an invocation by Vekusa Lohe, pastor of Chozuba Town Baptist Church. Sevonyi Keyho, chairman of Chozuba Town Council, delivered the welcome note, while greetings were conveyed by Vezuhu Keyho, president of CPO. Cultural highlights included performances by Transcend Voice of Chozuba Village, Zito Nyekha ft. Bromagination, and folk songs by Vesusalü and Nukurhulü. A Coffee Table Book was released, which concluded with a thanksgiving prayer by Rükuzo Rhakho, Chaplain of Chozuba Town Police, and dedication of exhibition stalls by Besuvoto Rhakho, pastor of CRC Chozuba Town.