A consultative meeting and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the District Administration Wokha and Northeast Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), Shillong, was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Wokha on February 20.
Deputy Commissioner, Vineet Kumar IAS, in his welcome address, highlighted the potential of agriculture-based entrepreneurship in Wokha. He emphasized that the district’s agro-climatic conditions are highly suitable for diverse crops and plantations. He noted that traditional farming methods, with limited technological interventions, have left much of the district’s potential untapped. Citing the success of the first Banana Festival, he stressed that technological integration would transform the farming ecosystem and entrepreneurship landscape in Wokha.
Director General, NECTAR Shillong, Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma, in his special address, acknowledged the efforts of the District Administration and outlined NECTAR’s objectives of disseminating technology for societal transformation, supporting livelihoods through technology integration, and upskilling. He spoke on schemes such as PM-DevINE and emphasized practical approaches to boost agriculture and the economy by equipping farmers with modern machinery and introducing new technologies to harness untapped resources.
The MoU was formally signed between Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar and Director General Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma.
Research Associate, Dr. Sunita Upadhyaya, presented an overview of the Community Seed Bank, followed by its virtual inauguration at Baghty Village. She explained that the Community Seed Bank is designed to preserve, exchange, and promote indigenous and improved seed varieties, ensuring farmers’ access to quality seeds while safeguarding biodiversity.
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Head, Division of Plant Exploration and Germplasm Collection, ICAR–NBPGR New Delhi, Dr. Praveen Kumar Singh, elaborated on NECTAR’s objectives, aims, and outreach. The programme also witnessed the distribution of PGS-India Scope Certificates to master trainers under the PM-DevINE project, awarded to organic growers from Yimparasa, Baghty, Pangtong, and Serika villages.
Skill Development Officer, Wokha, Anuranjan Singh, presented an overview of Wokha District’s scope, objectives, and opportunities, highlighting the potential for entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.
The meeting concluded with detailed discussions on finalizing short-term and long-term action plans and exploring prospects for collaboration in Wokha. Entrepreneurs from the district, including representatives from the Small Tea Growers Association, Yuthi Delight, and Biodynamics Wokha, participated in the discussion raising issues and seeking assistance to strengthen farming and entrepreneurship in the district.
The consultative meeting and MoU signing marked a significant step toward integrating technology with agriculture, fostering entrepreneurship, and building sustainable livelihoods in Wokha district.
