Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Con-servation has set a target to strive for advancement in farming practices by introdu- cing solar-powered cold storages and water pumps.This was stated by Horticulture Additional Director AS Ningming during a press conference held at DIPR office today.He said that solar powered cold storages would be installed at Namdujang in Tam- englong district, Nganung-phung in Ukhrul district and Heibi near Kangpokpi on trial basis.
Informing that each cold storage would have a capacity of 10 MT, Ningming said that the new arrangement would reduce decaying of vegetables and fruits.He further said that the Directorate is set to provide solar water pumps from 2016-17 fiscal year.Stating that the Directorate has a target to increase the potential area of farming for horticulture products by 80 per cent, Ningming further said that the Central Government shares 90 per cent of the funds for Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
For Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sanchay Yojana, the Centre shares 54 per cent, State shares 6 per cent and beneficiaries contribute 40 per cent of the total cost, he added.An official said that Central Government would share 100 per cent fund for the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region Scheme.Ningming said that farmers have started planting kiwi, watermelon, asparagus and broccoli and hybrid vegetables in the State.
Stating that integrated pack house and IPH would be taken up soon, Ningming urged the farmers to receive hybrid seeds free of cost through district officers.He also said that farmers would get the facility of packaging their products soon.MIDH Deputy Director (HR) K Jogeshchandra, Horticulture AO N Ningthemjao, Directorate of Soil Conservation AO K Devdutta and DIPR Director Meghachandra Kongbam also attended the press conference.