Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam centre hosts e-symposium on Horticulture

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research & Analysis under the aegis of IIM Shillong hosted an e-symposium on Organizing Community for Horticulture under the e-Symposia Series on Emergent North East India: Strategic and Developmental Imperatives here on Friday.

Congratulating IIM Shillong and its leadership on its effort despite the current pandemic constraints, chief guest of the event Kailash Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, said, "We are grateful for this effort which is in line with Prime Minister Modi's vision for the growth of the agriculture sector. We are also equally certain that if such kind of initiatives designed for achieving results are taken forward in right earnest then roadmaps for growth and development will be palpably felt right through to the grassroots levels," while also reflecting on his background as a farmer's son who has toiled the hard way before finding himself pulled towards taking up leadership role for nation building. He also dwelt at length on the successful nationwide harvest despite the COVID situation, which he opined was successful only because of the sincerity in approach of the government in working hand in hand with the farmers. Further speaking on the need to increase export Chaudha was hopeful that such a result would be greatly beneficial for the overall growth of Indian farmers.

Also speaking in the event, former Ambassador and member of the Board of Governors, Amalgamated Plantations, Shillong Rudy Warjri opined on both the philosophical and specific parts of his concepts on the sector saying "The Northeast has to cultivate a development model paradigm of its own, given the geography, background, developmental level, which in its present context can be dovetailed into the PM's vision of Atmanirbhar, liquidity in relation to SMEs while also seeking the possible models that could be attractive for investors."

Moving on to a technical session on organizing community for horticulture, Prof Keya Sengupta, Centre Coordinator, stressed the immense potentiality that the horticulture sector has in the region in view of the climatic conditions however noting that the potentiality has not been capitalized.

Member of the Board of Governors, Atul Kulkarni while moderating the session remarked, "What emerges clearly is the need for produce, process and place approach when it comes to horticulture," while also stressing the need to place products in the right market for greater deserving value.

Presenting the valedictory address, Minister of Food Security, Agriculture, Horticulture and Cash Crops, Govt. of Sikkim Lok Nath Sharma said, "There is a great potential for Horticulture in NER. Every state has unique strengths and character which have been fully utilized to develop specific products. There is a great opportunity for product diversification and market extension in the region in view of the unique climate and geographical location. Horticulture diversification should form the cornerstone to form a strong horticulture industry in the region." He further said, "The NER should work jointly on Northeast brand building to promote horticultural products, targeting markets in the metros."

Other notable speakers at the event include Padma Shree awardee Smt. Trinity Saioo, Shri. Dina Chhangte, CEO, King Industries, Dr. Keliihol Tase, Shri. Navin Tewari, CEO, Capital Foods Private Ltd., Shri. Neeraj Mutha, Owner, Mutha Industry Pvt. Ltd./Epitome, Shri. T. Mhabemo, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary to Governor of Nagaland and Team Leader, Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission, Shri. Ravindra Telang, IAS, Principal Secretary, Horticulture, Sikkim and others.

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