Nagaland gets horticulture institute

Dimapur, Mar 27 (UNI) Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today laid the foundation stone for the Central Institute of Horticulture at Medziphema in this district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that this is the first-of-its-kind institute in India which will help the entire region to boost its horticulture products.

Mr Rio also said the state required another deemed university and a veterinary college.

Addressing the function, Mr Pawar said agriculture and horticulture sectors contributed 30 per cent to the GDP of the country.

Mr Pawar said, ''The institute will help growth of the horticulture and floriculture sectors in Nagaland and the entire North East region.'' He hoped the institute will fulfil the aspiration of the horticulture farmers of the region.

Later, Mr Pawar laid the foundation stone of Nagaland's first cricket stadium at Sovima village.

UNI AS SP MSJ PC1437