Nagaland Cooperative conclave was held under the theme ‘Cooperatives – A catalyst for economic transformation’ at NBCC Convention Hall, Kohima on November 18.
In his address, Minister, PHED and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi said that the primary concern of the Central and State government is to see that the community across the length and breadth of the country has to be economically developed which is possible by encouraging the cooperative sectors to expand more. He expressed that the cooperative sector have been working behind the scenes silently however, due recognition were not given in time though their contribution were immense in the process of nation building.
Zhimomi stressed that to promote local industries, products and entrepreneurs one needs to go for ‘vocal for local’ which is the ultimate aspect of the Central Government the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Campaign, which aims to boost domestic production, strengthen the economy, and ensure the country’s self-sufficiency across various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture etc.
He also stated that country’s economy has stepped up to the 4th largest economy in the world and is expected to become the 2nd largest economy by 2047 which is India’s ambitious vision to transform the nation into a developed entity by the centenary of its independence ‘Viksit Bharat – Develop India’. Adding that he said in this process, all the states will have to contribute and will have to develop their own economy to achieve the target.
He mentioned that ‘Cooperative’ is going to play a crucial role and the principal guiding force to achieve the target ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat and urged the cooperative societies to continue and work to uplift the existing cooperatives. He also suggested the need to diversify our cooperative initiatives in tourism sectors and urged the youths for their involvement in this sector.
APC Nagaland, V Shashank Shekhar, IAS, in his address noted that SHGs are growing across the state, serving as a reminder of the strength of community and collective effort upon which the cooperative movement can further build.
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He further shared that the Government of India has recently initiated a plan for Viksit Nagaland which is a part of overall vision of the honourable Prime Minister for a Vikshit Bharat or a Developed India by 2047. In this process, the Government of India has assigned UNDP, a UN agency, a key supporting role in preparing the plan. Against this backdrop, the theme of the Nagaland Cooperative Conclave, “Cooperatives – A Catalyst for Economic Transformation,” is very timely in this regard.
Shashank emphasized that cooperatives can and must play a significant role in Nagaland’s development journey. Highlighting major challenges faced by the agricultural sector such as small and fragmented landholdings, limited mechanisms, high logistics costs, and weak market linkages, he stated that these hurdles cannot be addressed by individual farmers alone.
He stressed that meaningful progress becomes achievable when farmers, producers, entrepreneurs, and the Government come together under strong cooperative structures and work towards a shared vision. The Agri. & Allied sector, he noted, is committed to strengthening this ecosystem.
Shashank also pointed to emerging initiatives such as NRLM and the One Village One Cooperative Scheme, which aim to enhance community engagement, strengthen social capital, and promote youth participation.
Calling for greater adoption of digital agriculture, he highlighted the potential of technology-driven solutions to improve efficiency and transparency. He underscored the importance of transparent governance, collective responsibility, and increased participation, encouraging all stakeholders to actively contribute to Nagaland’s cooperative growth.
He concluded by saying, “Let us build a strong cooperative movement and maybe do something new in Nagaland which will be an example and inspiration for the rest of the country.”
Earlier, in the conclave, NCEL and MARCOFED also signed MoU. The NCDC Regional Award for Cooperative Excellence and Merit -2025NCDC Awards were given to the following societies-
Best Primary Credit Coops (PACS) — Self Support Women MPCS Ltd., Science College, Kohima and Atsitsa Large Area MPCS Ltd., Kiphire.
Best Primary Cooperatives — Adianu Agri. & Allied Cooperative Society Ltd., B’khel Longsa Village, Mokokchung and Moutshou Agri. & Allied Cooperative Society Ltd., Chendang Village, Tuensang.
Best Women Cooperatives — Mima Noh Weaving & Industrial Cooperative society ltd., Tuensang and Thenumin Kehou MPCS Ltd., Vidima Village, Chumoukedima.
Best FPO Cooperatives – Kade FPO Cooperative Society Ltd., Pfutsero, Phek and Tchutho Cooperative FPO Ltd., Meriyan Village, Wokha.
