Rice production drive successful: Nagaland

KOHIMA, Jan 21 : The Nagaland government has claimed the implementation of its ambitious scheme for production of rice and maize in the state in 2001 was “successful” and additional areas have been brought under cultivation of the two major crops, reports PTI. The government had declared the year 2001 as “Year of Rice and Maize” by extending necessary assistance to farmers to attain self-sufficiency in foodgrain production in the state where the requirement is met through import. Official sources here said under the new initiative, additional area of 4,936 and 4,284 hectares were brought under paddy and maize cultivation respectively during the year with additional production target of 12,340 tonne and 10,000 tonne respectively. The department supplied high yielding seeds, bio-fertilizers and other inputs besides technical assistance to farmers free of cost to make the scheme a success. The department is organising an exhibition-cum-sale of agricultural produces on Republic Day at Kohima where successful farmers will be awarded with cash prizes. “Individual farmers and district-wise highest producing villages under the year of rice and maize scheme will be awarded with cash prizes on the day, the sources added.