DIMAPUR, Dec 21 � Asserting that the culture and tradition of the North East is intertwined with agriculture, Union Minister of State for Rural Development Agatha Sangma said that the key stake holders need to concentrate on research in agriculture, marketing and food processing.
Addressing the valedictory function of the 2nd NE Agri Expo 2010 here yesterday, Agatha stressed that knowledge gathered through the Expo should be passed on to the farmers so that they are equipped and made aware of the latest farming technology.
Another key area, she said, is food processing and the need to improve food processing capacity while also stressing on food security and the need to invest in organic farming.
Agatha further underlined that communication and connectivity is another key factor that should be looked into for better accessibility with the farmers.
Stating that Nagaland has increased agricultural productivity and remarkably advanced in the field, she expressed happiness that the State has taken an initiative to concentrate on agriculture which is already bringing about a revolution.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the NE Agri Expo was organised under the theme �Prosperity through agriculture� with an objective to showcase the potentials of agriculture & allied sectors in the Northeastern States and also to develop strategies to achieve self-sufficiency and manage marketable surplus besides introducing new technologies and practices that would improve agriculture.
It was also aimed at creating a greater perspective to showcase the eight States of the region as one unit of attraction to investors and visitors alike, Rio said.
Rio also challenged the farmers of the region to take advantage of the opportunities that are being provided and rise to the occasion so that their products will have not just quality but value additions.
Terming the Expo as a resounding success, Rio expressed confidence that the results of the Expo in the immediate and long term would go a long way in improving the agriculture and allied sectors of the region in the years to come.
�It is our endeavour to make this event a biennial Expo with the support of the Ministries of Rural Development, Agriculture and DoNER,� Rio added.
