1.     Northeast India has been a blessed region with rich biodiversity. However, being loaded with so much potential, it hasn't been in a remarkable progress route. How do you think to take it forward from here to make a revolutionary & progressive change in the agribusiness of the NE region?

We the Northeastern region have been blessed with the perfect Agro climatic condition and biodiversity hotspot, so considering that we have different and varying elevations be in Guwahati or in Tawang which eventually provide different seasons. In turn, this allows us to cultivate varieties of fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, food grains like maize and rice of almost about 500 different species. The condition also allows major varieties of bananas to grow. Likewise, there are various plants to be found in water bodies, muddy areas, riverine areas, etc. Tall Elephant Grass is one such example that is a vital source of survival for the One Horn Rhino in National parks. All this really gives an impression, globally concerning both the pros and cons as the forest lands are reducing which reflects the fact that cultivable and residential lands are over-occupied.

For a total revolution, we still have a lot many years, but nevertheless, things are getting better so NERAMAC is hopeful as the region is organic by default due to the use of naturally grown cultivation so this makes NER a great hub of attraction for the people concerned about health.

However, after the pandemic hit the world, people have realized the importance of a healthy immune system to a larger extent, that they can achieve this with the consumption of natural and organic products.

The main obstacle to be noted is that NER is landlocked and the traditional routes have been blocked after 1947. Although 98% boundary shared by the NER is International, this great advantage is yet to be leveraged. Had there been vibrant border trade, commodities would have grown at a faster rate. As of now, Govt. of India is spending 10% budget as the Gross Budgetary support which is 3.24 Lac Cr for the Northeast. With the growth of new infrastructures such as roads, rails, bridges, and ropeways things can get better for agricultural marketing.

2.     Keeping in view, the emerging commercialization of Agro hub, horticulture products, and value-added products, what will be your steps further towards promoting and marketing?

The products that we mostly deal with are highly perishable, which if not consumed on time would be decomposed. This demands the requirement of an increased shelf life as a result of which it should be farm fresh and stored safely. Various technologies and techniques should be used to increase the shelf life of the vegetables for example IQF Green peas; only then it shall reach the market to a larger extent. This in turn will help in effective branding and marketing.

NER is a dumping market, where most that we consume is imported. However, we have all the potential to sustain in the markets with our very own products. The respect for local food must be enhanced and should be consumed as most of the products like Pomelo (Robab Tenga), Olive oil (Jolphai) which most of the consumers think of to be international are actually abundantly grown in the local regions. Hence, shifting the vision towards local to create a great impact in the market growth is the need of the hour.

3.     How are your extended visions with an aim for a revolutionary change going to help in the economical development of Assam and its concerned citizens? Also, what will be the growth route for the farmers of the NE region?

To have respect for our land would be the foremost significant step. Selling off the land just to live in an urban area with a petty job is somehow a waste of potential and value. Using it would give more profit instead. Nevertheless, using the existing lands with innovative farming, multi-level farming, multiple composite farming, farmers can earn more through it.

Also, with the Govt of India’s initiative like the Formation of 10000 Farmer Producer Organization project, things would be better for farmers as one block would have one FPO to reach out to. India being 85% agrarian society, there’s immense scope for the farmers. Proper integrated planning, common facilitate center, proper guidance and easy availability of finance and inputs should be considered for the smooth functioning of the farmers. Opening up the borders would bring more routes for the market. Preserving exotic products should be prioritized for the larger reach. GI certified products like ‘Bhut Jolokia’, ‘Khasi Mandarin’, Tezpur Litchi, Dalle Chilli have been our main products.

4.     Initially, several initiatives have been taken to expedite the growth and development of horticulture products. Could you brief our readers about them and what new changes are to be made?

Several initiatives like Krishi Vigyan Kendra, formation of, 10000 FPOs, working infrastructure, Mandi system, etc have been useful and further would be if works efficiently regularly. Other initiatives by the Govt. like APART, Kisan Rail, Krishi Udaan, Kishan Sampada Yojana have also contributed a lot to the agrarian society in terms of subsidies. Many industries and processing houses like Dabur, Brittania, Patanjali have also invested a lot in the agrarian sector, which has been beneficial for the growth and development of the same.

5.     There is this ongoing project of NERAMAC - Organic northeast under your organization. How will this be beneficial and bring growth?

Organic project is a brand under the NERAMAC. All the organic materials are put in for the project. This shall help a lot in awareness.

NERAMAC conducts exhibitions and showcases its products in its outlets including Delhi Haat. Under Mission Organic Value Chain Development, the organization now has almost 3 Lac hectares of land put under organic certification which is indeed a big number. Though it is yet to reach outer markets, the vision is quite clear. Various individuals get encouraged to come up with agriculture-based startups post covid which is a boost for the agriculture and horticulture field as well as the market.

Collaboration with various agro-based startups would be beneficial so we are looking forward optimistically. We have even started constructing new buildings for the expansion, even promoting FPOs and providing them with advanced technologies. All this shall bring great outcomes if carried out properly.

6.     So what’s the next plan of NERAMAC apart from all these projects to take this to a different level?

To take this further, everyone needs to work and contribute. The government also plays an important role to support and sustain this development. With all initiatives and programs, the government has been supportive in this regard.

The Post-Covid era has made people realize the importance of rural-based life rather than the trendy urban-based one which was extremely popular and preferred pre-Covid so the respect for the agriculture sector has somehow increased although incremental. So marketing now would be very crucial for the improvement of this sector.

7.     Has NERAMAC been involved in any sort of CSR activities so far?

Yes, indeed. NERAMAC does support CSR activities. Recently, 340 solar street lights were installed in rural areas. Camps and training regarding food processing, good agriculture technologies, and entrepreneurship development for the farmers to make them self-sufficient are also held in intervals. Last month, we conducted 5 pieces of training and it shall grow with time as we have planned for the upcoming days as well.

8.     What will be your message specifically from NERAMAC to all the people of the Northeastern region.

I think we have to be innovative and try to focus on progressing in every field IN which progressive farming is one important area that we all should consider. As we are from the agricultural-based region, improving agro society, agro-economy, tourism, handloom should be focused on for better results. We also have to use digital technologies in order to

sustain ourselves as digitalization and modernization is a part of our life now more than ever. We are landlocked and we have to use digital mediums for better reach, growth, and development.