The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER) is a central government initiative under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). This comprehensive scheme aims to harness the immense potential of the North-eastern states for organic farming, transforming the region into an organic hub and empowering its farmers.
Why the Focus on North East India?
- Traditional Practices: Many North-eastern communities traditionally use low-chemical or organic farming methods, providing a solid foundation for expansion.
- Agro-climatic Advantage: Diverse agro-climatic zones of the region are ideal for cultivating a wide range of organic crops.
- Untapped Potential: Despite being inherently organic, the region lacks infrastructure and market support for large-scale production and certification.
Key Components of MOVCD-NER
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Creation and strengthening of FPOs for collective production, processing, and marketing.
- Organic Clusters: Development of large contiguous organic production clusters in a focused manner.
- Capacity Building: Training farmers in organic practices, certification, and post-harvest handling.
- Processing and Certification: Support for processing units, testing labs, and certification, ensuring quality standards.
- Market Development: Promoting value-added organic products, establishing market linkages, and branding of North East organic produce.
Success Stories under MOVCD-NER
- Sikkim’s Organic Success: The state of Sikkim transitioned to a fully organic state, showcasing the potential of organic transformation.
- Ginger from Meghalaya: Farmers in Meghalaya are producing high-quality organic ginger with high export demand.
FAQs About MOVCD-NER
- Who is eligible for the scheme’s benefits? Farmers, FPOs, and entrepreneurs in the North East who are involved in the organic value chain.
- How to access MOVCD-NER support? Interested beneficiaries can contact State Horticulture Missions or agriculture departments in their respective states.
MCQs
The primary purpose of MOVCD-NER is to promote:
A. Wildlife conservation
B. Organic farming in the North East
C. Modern agricultural machinery
D. Textile production
Which of these is NOT a component of MOVCD-NER?
A. Farmer training
B. Organic input subsidies
C. Support for certification
D. Value addition and market linkage