Bordering Myanmar in the foothills of Mount Saramati, Thanamir village, celebrated its 15th Apple Festival on September 10, themed "Apple For Health, Wealth And Prosperity." The village has a production capacity of 40-50 tonne of apples annually, available from July to December. The festival's special guest, Minister for Women Resource Development & Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, announced plans for an apple processing unit in the village, aimed at enhancing the value of the apple produce and spurring economic growth. Kruse also advocated for diversification into crops suited to the region's climate, promising departmental support in market linkages and technical assistance.
Director of Horticulture, Meyasashi, noted India's annual apple consumption of 20 lakh metric tonne, with over 4 lakh tonne imported. He highlighted Thanamir's contribution to making Nagaland one of the six apple-producing states in India, emphasizing the potential for Nagaland's apples to reach international markets. Meyasashi called for sorting and grading apples to build consumer confidence. Temsuwati Longkumer, Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire, remarked on the festival's reflection of the community's resilience and unity. He discussed the transformation of Thanamir into an apple farming hub, the role of Farmer Producer Organisations in enhancing farmers' bargaining power, and the overall impact on the local economy. The festival concluded with the inauguration of stalls and plucking of apples from the Mother Tree, attended by advisors S Kiusumew Yimchunger and W Chingang Konyak.
Source: The Morung Express