Nagaland has set its immediate priority on achieving self-sufficiency in essential sectors, particularly higher education, agriculture, horticulture and livestock, as part of its roadmap towards Viksit Nagaland 2047.
This was discussed at a consultation meeting on the State’s developmental priorities in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and Viksit Bharat 2047, convened by Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on September 10.
The meeting brought together representatives of Nagaland University, School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Jalukie, and concerned line departments to identify areas for research, innovation and inter-institutional collaboration.
Speaking on the occasion, Y Kikheto Sema, stressed the need to strengthen higher education institutions in Nagaland to reduce the substantial expenditure incurred by families sending students outside the State. He said Nagaland’s peaceful environment and favourable eco-climatic conditions could also help the State attract students from neighbouring States.
On agriculture and horticulture, Sema called for a comprehensive assessment of demand and supply, including the quantity and value of products imported from outside the State. He emphasised that such assessments should be based on field-level data and research to identify areas where Nagaland can attain self-sufficiency and eventually explore export opportunities.
He also called for comprehensive research on jhum and shifting cultivation, observing that Nagaland’s unique agricultural practices and local conditions require greater attention in agricultural research and education. He urged SAS, Medziphema, to explore incorporating relevant aspects of jhum cultivation into its academic curriculum.
The livestock sector, particularly meat, milk and egg production, also came under discussion. Sema called for an assessment of existing demand-supply gaps and measures to enhance local production, including greater promotion of goat and cattle rearing, with the objective of reducing dependence on imports.
According to a DIPR update, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, Prof N Venuh appreciated the initiative to involve the University in the State’s development and research priorities and assured that the institution would provide available data and extend support for future research. He said substantial research and data already existed on education, agriculture and village-level development but needed to be better utilised for policymaking and planning.
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Dr Rokolhuu Keditsu, Associate Professor, SAS said an in-depth study of the proposed areas had not yet been undertaken, while Dr Debika Nongmaithem, Assistant Professor, identified inadequate irrigation facilities as a major constraint to agricultural production and farmers’ income.
Dr I Shakuntala Devi, Dean, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry said research activities at the newly established college were still at an initial stage. She highlighted the demand for smoked meat and the potential of improved smoking technologies to enhance quality and open up wider market and export opportunities.
Representatives of the Higher Education, School Education, Agriculture, Horticulture and Veterinary Departments shared updates on available data and ongoing activities. The Agriculture and Horticulture Departments stated that demand-supply data would be updated and shared with SAS for further analysis. The Veterinary Department, meanwhile, highlighted difficulties in obtaining accurate data on meat imports following the closure of check gates.
In his concluding remarks, Sema said the Vision 2047 document for Nagaland is targeted for release on or before December 2026. Referring to assessments associated with the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions, he said families from Nagaland are estimated to spend not less than ₹1,500 crore on higher education outside the State, while expenditure on imported meat and meat products is estimated at around ₹1,000 crore.
He also pointed to Nagaland’s substantial dependence on imports of agricultural and horticultural products, particularly paddy, stressing the need to strengthen domestic production.
Sema said the immediate focus under Vision 2047 should be self-sufficiency in essential sectors, with export promotion to follow once adequate production capacity and market opportunities are developed.
He urged all concerned departments and institutions to work in close coordination and submit a consolidated report at the earliest for further discussion and necessary action.
He urged all concerned line departments and institutions to work in close coordination and submit a consolidated report at the earliest for further discussion and action.
