The Department of Rural Development and Planning, Nagaland University, in collaboration with the Social Development Forum (SDF), Assam, successfully organized the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) – Young Professionals Roundtable 2026 at the Multipurpose Hall, Medziphema Campus, under the aegis of MY Bharat, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India on July 31.
The programme brought together policymakers, scientists, academicians, administrators, research scholars, students, and young professionals to deliberate on the theme “Enhancing Productivity through Smart and Sustainable Agriculture.”
The programme commenced with the screening of the VBYLD video and an audio-visual presentation highlighting the key inputs of the Prime Minister of India under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue initiative.
Delivering the Welcome Address, Prof Jayanta Choudhury, Professor and Head, Department of Rural Development and Planning, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants. He emphasized that agriculture in the twenty-first century extends beyond food production and has become a driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, climate resilience, and rural prosperity. He noted that empowering youth with technology and women with opportunities would be critical to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The inaugural session featured an inspiring video message from Prof Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, who congratulated the organizers for selecting a theme of national importance. In his address, he highlighted the importance of integrating modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, precision farming, drones, digital agriculture, and climate-smart practices with indigenous knowledge systems to build a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. He encouraged young people to see agriculture as a sector of innovation, enterprise, and leadership.
The inaugural session was graced by Prof Dipak Sinha, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the importance of youth-led innovation, interdisciplinary research, and institutional collaboration in transforming Indian agriculture. He urged students and researchers to become change-makers who can address emerging challenges related to food security, sustainability, and rural livelihoods.
Guest of Honour, Dr Girish Patil S, Director, ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Nagaland, emphasized the need to strengthen scientific research, sustainable livestock development, and climate-resilient agricultural systems. He encouraged young researchers to pursue innovative solutions that improve farmers’ income while conserving natural resources.
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The inaugural session also featured addresses by Kapuozo Kapuh, representing MY Bharat, who highlighted the objectives of the Young Leaders Dialogue in engaging youth in nation-building, and James Swu, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Medziphema, who appreciated the initiative for creating a platform where young people could contribute ideas for rural and agricultural transformation. Shri Dhiren Handique, Director Assam Gas Company and Advisor to Social Development Forum expressed their gratitude to Nagaland University for hosting the regional Roundtable and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening youth participation in development initiatives.
Following the inaugural session, an Expert Panel Discussion was organized featuring eminent scientists and academicians, including Prof T Gohain (Head, Department of Agronomy), Dr Ashwini Ananda (Scientist, AICRP), Dr Aabon W Yanthan (Horticulture Scientist), Dr Kathiravan Periasamy (Principal Scientist), Dr Sapunii Stephen Hanah (Senior Scientist) and Dr Bodevi Shuya (Director, SAMETI and Principal, IETC). The panel deliberated on emerging technologies, climate-smart agriculture, research priorities, digital extension services, entrepreneurship, and sustainable farming systems for the North Eastern Region.
An important highlight of the programme was the Student Technical Sessions, where research scholars and postgraduate students presented innovative ideas under three thematic areas: Smart Farming Technologies for Tomorrow’s Agriculture; Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Rural Start-ups; and Empowering Youth and Women for Agricultural Transformation
The presentations reflected the enthusiasm, creativity, and research capabilities of young scholars in addressing contemporary agricultural challenges and identifying practical solutions for sustainable rural development.
The programme concluded with the distribution of participation certificates, followed by a summary of the key recommendations emerging from the deliberations. The organizers emphasized that youth-led innovation, women-centric agricultural development, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient farming would be critical pillars in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The Department of Rural Development and Planning expressed its sincere gratitude to MY Bharat, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, Social Development Forum (SDF), Assam, the University administration, distinguished speakers, panelists, and all participants for making the programme a grand success.
