APMC dispatches 1.5 tonnes of Longkhum tomatoes to Dimapur, spotlight falls on storage woes

Mokokchung, July 1: In a bid to boost farmers’ incomes and reduce dependence on middlemen, the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC), Mokokchung, has dispatched 1.5 tonnes of organic tomatoes from Longkhum village to Dimapur under its Direct Farmer-to-Market initiative.

The consignment was flagged off on June 29 from Longkhum village in the presence of APMC chairman I Panger Longkumer, vice-chairman L Yanger Lemtur and other committee members.

The initiative forms part of the APMC’s revamped marketing strategy aimed at directly linking farmers in Mokokchung district with buyers during the peak harvest season.

Known across Nagaland for its premium organic tomatoes, Longkhum village has built a strong reputation over the past 15 years as the state’s “Vegetable Village”.

Declared a Vegetable Village by the Agriculture and Horticulture Department in 2009, the village shifted from traditional paddy cultivation to year-round farming of tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower.

Today, the “Longkhum” label has become synonymous with chemical-free produce in markets across Mokokchung, Dimapur and Kohima.

For many households in the village, tomato cultivation has emerged as the primary source of income, helping families improve their livelihoods, fund children’s education and reduce seasonal migration.

However, despite its success, Longkhum’s farmers continue to grapple with major infrastructure gaps.

The village lacks cold storage facilities, collection centres, grading units and refrigerated transport, forcing farmers to sell their produce at low prices during glut periods or when transportation is delayed.

Farmers say the absence of storage and post-harvest infrastructure often leads to distress sales and reduces potential earnings from one of the state’s most recognised agricultural brands.

The issue also highlights a broader paradox: Nagaland continues to import tomatoes for much of the year despite villages like Longkhum producing substantial seasonal surpluses.

Growers have called for greater government support, including solar cold rooms, subsidised packaging, assured procurement mechanisms and better market linkages to help them scale up production and improve returns.

APMC officials said more consignments are planned as the harvest season progresses and expressed hope that direct marketing initiatives would ensure better prices for farmers.

With proper cold-chain infrastructure and stronger policy support, farmers believe “Longkhum Tomato” has the potential to emerge as one of Nagaland’s flagship agricultural brands and even secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in the future.

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