Nagaland Conclave charts bold roadmap to revitalise cooperative sector

The final-day sessions of the Nagaland Cooperative Conclave focused on youth engagement, entrepreneurship and strengthening the State’s cooperative sector. The programme was held at NBCC Convention Hall, Kohima, a DIPR report stated.
Speaking at the valedictory session, commissioner & secretary, Cooperation and Information & Public Relations, Orenthung Lotha, NCS, underlined the growing importance of cooperatives in building community resilience and driving inclusive economic growth. He said the three-day conclave provided a platform for participants to share ideas and reaffirm the potential of cooperatives as instruments of collective progress. Lotha noted that the discussions demonstrated how community-led initiatives can help move markets, improve livelihoods and contribute to Nagaland’s economic future. He expressed confidence that partnerships formed during the conclave would support farmers, artisans, entrepreneurs, youth and rural communities across the State. He also conveyed appreciation to organisers, collaborators and participants for their contribution.
Joint registrar of cooperative societies, Bokato Hesso, presented an overview of the deliberations and outlined the sector’s way forward. He said the cooperative movement in Nagaland was at a crucial turning point and required stronger coordination, inclusive planning and long-term strategies. Hesso highlighted priority areas such as expanding opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors, strengthening cross-departmental collaboration, and addressing bottlenecks related to policy gaps, information asymmetry and weak institutional structures. He also stressed the need for improved credit access, financial literacy and youth engagement in emerging fields like climate-resilient and digital agriculture. He called for harmonised policies, appointment of nodal officers and a sustained commitment across departments to build cooperatives as drivers of equitable and sustainable growth.
During the valedictory session, the Best Exhibitor Awards were presented in three categories: Food & Processing — Cold Mountain Food Processing and Marketing C.S. Ltd., Burma Camp, Dimapur; Weaving, Handicrafts & Artisans — United Shemong Farming C.S. Ltd., Pongo Village, Longleng; Agri & Allied — Verhiyinumi Khel Agri & Allied C.S. Ltd., Yoruba Village, Phek.
On the third day, opening remarks were delivered by Alangla Tonger, additional RCS, followed by sessions on the role of youth in the cooperative movement by Ritesh Dey, NCUI New Delhi, and entrepreneurship and employment through cooperatives by Ar. Richard Belho of Zynorique Initiatives. Post-lunch discussions featured Dr. Aotoshi on a cooperative vision for Nagaland, along with presentations by experts from Agriculture and Allied Departments. Delegates also shared feedback and recommendations.
The multi-day conclave, held under the theme “Cooperatives – A Catalyst for Economic Transformation,” concluded with a call to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem in Nagaland.