Rio stresses on agriculture as the backbone of the economy

Dimapur, Dec 16: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has stated that agriculture was the main source of any economy and the state government would give special emphasis on farmer-related programmes.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Nagaland Rice Festival, 2007, here yesterday marking the culmination of two-year programme of the ''Year of Farmers'', Mr Rio reiterated the reason for giving special emphasis on agriculture and organising farmer-related programmes.

He said the nation could progress with sustainable food security, to other forms of economic activities, only when it is agriculturally self sufficient.

He informed that various programmes, including the ''Year of the Farmers'', had succeeded beyond expectations, despite minor hiccups in marketing and processing aspects.

The Chief Minister thanked the farmers, including those from the other neighbouring states, who participated in the festival.

All the North Eastern states, except Manipur, participated in the five-day festival, which was organised for the first time in the country.

UNI