Nagaland youth get post harvest machinery

Kohima, July 24 (ANI): The Nagaland Government, in its bid to increase agricultural productivity and promote agro-entrepreneurship, recently distributed farm machinery to unemployed youth in the state.

Chief Minister Nephiu Rio dispensed post harvest machinery to 136 educated unemployed youth.

The beneficiaries were selected from eleven districts and got the machinery under the state sponsored AGRONAG scheme.

Interacting with mediapersons, Zuchamo Mozhui, one of the beneficiaries, said, "I feel great that our government is supporting us well. We can now take this opportunity to help build our lives."

Similar sentiments were echoed by Sieno Nakhro, another beneficiary, who said, "I got ginger paste and powder machine. My plan is to establish a factory through this machine. I am grateful to our government for giving me this chance to build my career."

Popcorn makers, bamboo shoot processors, passion fruit and pineapple juice extractors, and potato and banana chips makers among others were distributed among the youth.

The beneficiaries were earlier trained to use the equipment.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Nephiu Rio urged the youth to join the agriculture sector.

"I hope you will make good use of machineries handed over to you," he said.

Rio also released the "Vision 2025: Food for all" document.

Over 71 percent of Naga population is engaged in farming but it is only contributing 20 percent to the state's GDP, and the state intends to find solution to this problem. (ANI)