KOHIMA: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, Bhagirath Choudhary visited Noklak district in Nagaland on Friday as part of the ‘fortnight visit’ of the Union Ministers to the North Eastern region.
During the visit, the Union Minister interacted with departmental officers to review the developmental progress of the district at the Tourist Circuit, Noklak. During the meeting, he assured that a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) would be developed in Noklak district to strengthen agricultural extension services and support local farmers.
Deputy Commissioner, Noklak, Mono Khiamniungan, presented an overview profile of Noklak district, highlighting its developmental status and key challenges faced by the district.
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SDO (Civil), Vikhoto Richa shared a detailed overview of the Aspirational Block, Thonoknyu focusing on ongoing initiatives and future plans.
Officials from the Agriculture and Allied Departments also briefed the Union Minister on various projects being implemented in the district and their progress so far. The Agriculture Department also requested the Minister to establish Farmers’ Multi Marketing Complex with storage facilities ensuring better marketing facilities for agricultural produce.
Later, the Union Minister, accompanied by the district administration visited the District Hospital, where the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Victor highlighted key concerns faced by the hospital, including a shortage of doctors, the prevalence of scrub typhus and typhoid as a major disease in the district, and the urgent need for a gynecologist to improve maternal healthcare services in the hospital.
Meanwhile, Union Minister, Bhagirath Choudhary visited Village Guard Museum at New Pangsha village on Saturday. Addressing the community, the Union Minister emphasized the urgent need for establishing a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in the area to enhance agricultural productivity and improve the livelihood of the farmers in the district.
He advised farmers to apply for the PM-KISAN Credit Card and stated that the growth of farming is fundamental to the overall development of the nation. The Minister inspected the grassroots level challenges faced by farmers and listened attentively to their grievances.
During the interaction, Choudhary enquired whether the government provides financial assistance for damaged crops and sought information on the status of women empowerment in the area. He also raised concerns regarding the prevalence of drug abuse and measures taken for its control.
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The Pangsha community also shared their concerns and highlighted the pressing need for modern agricultural machinery to support better and more efficient farming practices.
Further, the minister held a security meeting at COB, International Trade Centre, Dan with the security officers.