Rio calls for thrust in agriculture

Kohima, Mar 30 (UNI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has called upon the investors and farmers to usher in a new era of what he termed 'golden revolution' to replace the lost opportunities of the 'green revolution' in the 60s.

Addressing the seminar on 'Opportunities of Horticulture in North East Region' as the chief guest at the North East Agri Expo, 2006, in Dimapur last evening, Mr Rio stressed on evolving suitable technology for horticulture cultivation in the region.

He said the greatest strength of the region lies in the potential of horticulture which offers bright prospects for future progress and prosperity.

Mr Rio said the region possessed a unique combination of living species, habitats and eco-system making its bio-diversity rich yet untapped.

The fertility of the region should be able to contribute to atleast four per cent of the country's total horticultural production, he added.

While the farmers of the region were yet to understand the dynamics of economics and modern techniques, the chief minister said a confidence building was needed to wean them away from ancient methods while introducing modern technique for improved farming system so as to make horticulture profitable.

UNI