Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a sanction of Rs.380 crores for farmers’ welfare for Nagaland. He made this announcement while inaugurating the Administrative-cum-Academic Block and Farmers’ Fair at the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry in Jalukie, Peren on May 15 in the presence of Governor of Nagaland La Ganesan, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir and other dignitaries.
The Union Minister also asked the state government to prepare and come up with a detailed action plan related to agriculture development, and assured that the Government of India will render all possible help for the overall development of the state.
Speaking at the event, the Union Minister said the newly inaugurated Administrative-cum-Academic Building stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to capacity building, scientific innovation, and self-reliance, and urged the students present to emerge as ambassadors of veterinary science, taking their knowledge to the remotest villages, tribal communities, and farming households across the state.
Further, Chouhan advised the government of Nagaland to form a core team for each district comprising students, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and University Professors who will visit and interact with the farmers at least twice a month to find out the problems faced by the farmers. In this way, it will be easy to find out agro-climatic suitable plant/crop varieties and animal varieties to improve the farmer’s income, Chouhan stated.
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In his address as the guest of honour, Dy. CM TR Zeliang mentioned that Nagaland, a predominantly agrarian state, with over 70% of our population relying on agriculture for their livelihood is blessed with rich biodiversity and favourable agro-climatic conditions and it also holds vast potential for cultivating a diverse range of crops throughout the year.
Stating that, jhum represents a deeply rooted cultural identity and a traditional agro-ecological practice that has sustained the communities for generations, Zeliang pointed out that nearly 80% of the farmers continue to practice jhum cultivation or shifting cultivation, while this traditional system is often perceived as being environmentally unsustainable or economically inefficient for the Nagas, it is far more than a mere agricultural technique.
He also emphasized on the acute shortage of Agricultural Research and Higher Educational Institutions in Nagaland and said that this scarcity of institutions has created a real and growing sense of deprivation among the youth and farming communities, particularly given the untapped potential of the state in agri and allied sector, and the pressing need for region specific research, education and capacity building.
Towards this, Zeliang made the following appeals for the kind consideration of the Union Minister: to establish a Regional Research Centre on Natural Farming of Hill Agriculture in Nagaland, with emphasis on shifting cultivation systems, to enable science-based support for sustainable hill farming; to approve the proposed College of Natural Farming at Yisemyong in Mokokchung under the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, to build much-needed academic and research capacity; to consider setting up the College of Horticulture and Forestry and the College of Fishery, which would impart the necessary knowledge and guidance to the state and in the process augment the economy of the state in particular and be part of nation-building in general; and to sanction six new KVKs in the newly created districts of Nagaland, to strengthen the last-mile delivery of agricultural knowledge, technologies, and support services to the farmers.
Governor La Ganesan, in his presidential address said the event marks not just the expansion of academic infrastructure but a significant stride toward strengthening the rural economy and agricultural development in Nagaland.
“As a constituent of the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, this institution is uniquely positioned to bridge cutting-edge scientific knowledge with the grassroots needs of our people”, he said. In a state where agriculture and livestock form the backbone of the rural economy, Ganesan emphasised this college must aspire to not only impart education but also become a centre of excellence and innovation, as well as community service. He expressed hope that future veterinarians, researchers and agricultural leaders would emerge from here, equipped not only with technical expertise but with a deep commitment to uplifting our farming communities.
Emphasising on the importance of veterinary education, the governor said healthy livestock management is integral to sustainable agriculture, food security, and economic resilience, and the college empowers its students to become change makers—professionals who will enhance livestock productivity, combat diseases and introduce innovative practices to safeguard our rural livelihoods.
He also stated that as Governor, he reaffirms the government’s commitment and support for veterinary education, scientific advancement and inclusive agricultural growth, and urged the faculty and students to take this new facility as a catalyst for transformative research and use it to forge partnerships with farmers, address local challenges and pioneer solutions that uplift rural Nagaland.
Earlier, a welcome and keynote address was delivered by Dean of College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Dr. I. Shakuntala. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Professor SK Borthakur.
