Nagaland University Flags off Fisheries Input Distribution Vehicle to Promote Sustainable Aquaculture
The Department of Zoology, Nagaland University, in collaboration with the ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR–NBFGR), Lucknow, organised the Flag-off Ceremony of the Fisheries Input Distribution Vehicle under the Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Programme and Workshop on Sustainable Aquaculture Practices on 30 July 2026. The programme is being implemented under the NEH Component of the CRP Agrobiodiversity Project with the objective of promoting scientific aquaculture practices, strengthening sustainable fisheries development, and improving the livelihoods of fish farmers through capacity building and the distribution of essential fisheries inputs.
The fisheries inputs distributed under the programme were sponsored by the ICAR–NBFGR CRP Agrobiodiversity Project. The initiative forms part of an approved project for organising an Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Programme for 30 fish farmers of Japu Village, Mangkolemba, under the NEH Component. The project is led by Dr. Aditya Kumar, Scientist and Principal Investigator (CRP Agrobiodiversity Project), ICAR–NBFGR, Lucknow, and is being implemented with the approval of Dr. Kajal Chakraborty, Director, ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow. The programme aims to promote sustainable aquaculture through technical lectures, practical demonstrations, stakeholder interactions, and the distribution of fisheries inputs to selected beneficiaries.
As part of the programme, the farmers’ interaction and fisheries input distribution will be held on 31 July 2026 at Japu Village, Mangkolemba, followed by the Workshop and Technical Sessions on Sustainable Aquaculture Practices on 01 August 2026 at the Conference Hall, Department of Zoology, Nagaland University, Lumami.
The Flag-off Ceremony of the Fisheries Input Distribution Vehicle was graced by Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, who formally flagged off the vehicle carrying fisheries inputs for distribution to beneficiary fish farmers. The inputs included nutritionally balanced grower and finisher fish feed, agricultural-grade liming material, HDPE pipes, fish pond protection nets, fish harvesting seine nets, insulated thermocol ice boxes, weighing scales, and essential aquaculture tools such as shovels and spades. These materials are expected to enhance pond preparation, improve water quality management, increase fish growth and harvesting efficiency, strengthen post-harvest handling, and ultimately improve fish production and farmers’ income.
The ceremony was attended by Prof. Joy Das, Finance Officer (i/c); Mr. VekhoyiTetseo, Registrar (i/c); Prof. Bendang Ao, Director, Research & Development Cell; Dr. Temjen, Deputy Librarian; Mr. Kahoshe Sumi, Deputy Registrar (General Administration); Mr. Abhijit Sutradhar, Deputy Registrar (Academics and Conference), EC Cell (i/c) and Legal Cell (i/c); Dr. Ashish Kumar, Hindi Officer; Dr. Kevezai Tureng, Director, College Development Council; Prof. Ashutosh Tripathi; Prof. Ranjit Kumar, Head, Department of Zoology; faculty members and M.Sc. students of the Department of Zoology. The programme was also attended by Dr. Pukhrambam Rajesh Singh, Dr. Lobeno Mozhui, and Dr. Ramita Sougrakpam, Assistant Professors, Department of Zoology.
The event was successfully coordinated by Dr. Pranay Punj Pankaj, Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, who served as the Organising Secretary of the programme.
This collaborative initiative between Nagaland University and the ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR–NBFGR), Lucknow, reflects a shared commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries development through research, extension, technology dissemination, and community engagement. By integrating scientific innovations with indigenous knowledge systems and providing quality fisheries inputs to fish farmers, the programme is expected to strengthen rural livelihoods, enhance food security, and contribute significantly to the sustainable development of aquaculture in Nagaland and the Northeast region.
The Hon’ble Governor of Nagaland, Shri Nand Kishore Yadav, chaired a review meeting of the Planning & Transformation Department at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, on 31st July 2026. The meeting focused on the Department’s, planning framework, flagship initiatives, geospatial innovations, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the State’s long-term development vision. The Department’s presentation was made by the Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner, Shri Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS.
During the presentation, the Governor was briefed on the Department’s core functions, which include formulation of the State’s development plans, coordination with NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), the North Eastern Council (NEC), and various Central Ministries, besides monitoring developmental programmes and guiding departments on planning priorities. The role of the State Planning Board, State Level Project Implementation and Management Committee, State Project Review Monitoring and Coordination Committee, and the State Land Acquisition Authority was also highlighted.
The Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, informed the Governor that the Annual Plan Outlay for the financial year 2026-27 has been approved at ₹1,350 crore, with allocations covering developmental departments, State share, Local Area Development Programme (LADP), land acquisition, budget initiatives, and support for the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). The meeting also reviewed trends in plan outlays, land acquisition expenditure, and sector-wise allocations aimed at accelerating balanced and inclusive development across the State.
The Governor was also apprised of the Department’s role in implementing Centrally sponsored initiatives through MDoNER, NEC, NESIDS and PM-DevINE, as well as the progress of Aspirational District and Aspirational Block programmes. It was highlighted that Kiphire continues as Nagaland’s Aspirational District, while Akuhaito, Khongsa and Thonoknyu have been identified as Aspirational Blocks, with Thonoknyu Block receiving performance-based incentives from NITI Aayog.
The meeting also reviewed Nagaland’s performance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Governor was informed about the State’s SDG Vision 2030 and district-wise performance indicators, with Mokokchung, Kohima and Dimapur emerging as the leading districts in the North East Region SDG Index.
A significant part of the presentation focused on the Nagaland Institute of Transformation (NIoT), established with support from NITI Aayog under the State Support Mission. The Governor was informed that the Institute is playing a key role in preparing the Viksit Nagaland @2047 Vision Document, which is currently under review and expected to be finalised after approval by the High-Level Steering Committee and the State Cabinet.
During the presentation, Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, observed that the situation in Nagaland has undergone significant transformation since the State attained statehood. In view of the changing socio-political landscape and the developmental aspirations of the people, he stressed the need for enhanced support from the Government of India. He stated that central funding for Nagaland should be brought at par with other North Eastern States to enable the State to bridge critical infrastructure gaps, accelerate socio-economic development and effectively implement its long-term development agenda. He emphasised that equitable financial support would strengthen the State’s capacity to deliver quality public services, improve connectivity and create sustainable livelihood opportunities across all districts.
The Department also showcased the achievements of the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre in leveraging geospatial technology, drone applications, artificial intelligence and remote sensing for governance and development. The Governor was briefed on initiatives including village resource mapping, urban mapping, watershed studies, disaster management, landslide monitoring, PM GatiShakti support, traffic management, medical drone delivery, drone-based agriculture, and indigenous drone development. The presentation highlighted that over 1,300 villages have been mapped and the State continues to pioneer drone-based governance initiatives in the North East.
The Governor appreciated the Department for adopting technology-driven governance and for its efforts in strengthening planning, monitoring and implementation mechanisms across sectors. He emphasised the importance of evidence-based planning, effective coordination among departments, timely execution of projects and optimum utilisation of available resources to ensure that developmental benefits reach every section of society.
The Governor further stressed that planning must remain people-centric, transparent and result-oriented, while encouraging the Department to continue embracing innovation and modern technologies to support sustainable and inclusive development in Nagaland.
Senior officers of the Planning & Transformation Department and Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre were present during the review meeting.
