DIMAPUR: A consultation meeting on Nagaland’s developmental priorities in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and Viksit Bharat 2047 was held at the Conference Room of the Development Commissioner, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on September 10.
According to a DIPR report, the meeting was convened by Development Commissioner, Y. Kikheto Sema, with participation from representatives of Nagaland University (NU), School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Jalukie and concerned line departments.
The consultation focused on strengthening higher education, reducing dependence on imports of agricultural, horticultural and livestock products and identifying opportunities for research, innovation and inter-institutional collaboration to achieve the vision of Viksit Nagaland 2047.
Key deliberations during the meeting were – Higher education: Sema stressed the need to strengthen institutions within the State to reduce the estimated Rs. 1,500 crore spent annually by families sending students outside Nagaland. He added that Nagaland’s peaceful environment and eco-climatic conditions could attract students from neighbouring States.
Agriculture and horticulture: A comprehensive demand-supply assessment was called for, including imports of paddy and other products, to identify areas for self-sufficiency and export opportunities. Sema urged SAS to incorporate research on jhum and shifting cultivation into its curriculum.
Livestock sector: Discussions centred on meat, milk and egg production, with emphasis on goat and cattle rearing to reduce import dependence. Expenditure on imported meat and meat products is estimated at around Rs. 1,000 crore annually.
Research and innovation: Pro Vice-Chancellor NU, Prof. N. Venuh, assured support and data sharing for future research. Dr. Rokolhuu Keditsu noted that in-depth studies on proposed areas are yet to be undertaken, while Dr. Debika Nongmaithem highlighted inadequate irrigation as a major constraint. Dr. I. Shakuntala Devi pointed to the demand for smoked meat and the potential of improved smoking technologies for wider markets.
Representatives from Higher Education, School Education, Agriculture, Horticulture and Veterinary Departments shared updates on available data and ongoing activities. The Agriculture and Horticulture Departments committed to updating demand-supply data for further analysis, while the Veterinary Department highlighted challenges in obtaining accurate meat import data following the closure of check gates.
In his concluding remarks, Sema stated that the Vision 2047 document for Nagaland is targeted for release by December 2026. He emphasised that the immediate priority should be achieving self-sufficiency in essential sectors, with export promotion to follow once production capacity and market opportunities are developed. He urged all departments and institutions to work in close coordination and submit a consolidated report for further discussion and action.
