"Horti-Forestry" will lead to Nagaland's developement: Rio

Kohima, Aug 17 (UNI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio here today appealed to the farmers to take up horti-forestry for the socio-economic development of the state.

Addressing mediaperson here today in a state-level horticulture conference, Mr Rio said the state is gifted with a unique topography, fertile soil and varied agro-climatic conditions that suits best for horticulture.

He also stressed the need to change the mindset of the farmers to experiment the concept.

He also said the state's 80 per cent population are dependent on agriculture and instead of the timber forestry these farmers could take up horti-forestry for economic development of the state.

Former Director of Indian Council of Agriculture and Research Dr S P Ghosh said the state has tremendous scope to the convert horticulture into a full-fledged industry, thereby setting a trend in the NE region.

He also informed that the state produces best qualities of Oranges and Pineapple in the country. However, they could not start commercial fruit cultivation.

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