NPF prioritizes effective scheme rollout, grassroots coordination

Naga People’s Front (NPF) stressed on effective implementation of government schemes, improved last-mile delivery, and stronger grassroots coordination during a seminar held at its central headquarters in Kohima.
This was the benchmark set at the NPF seminar Tuesday, attended by party legislators and leaders, focused on agriculture reforms, digitisation of the Public Distribution System (PDS), land resource development, and the importance of accurate census and electoral processes.
Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan said a comprehensive agriculture policy, recently approved by the Cabinet and passed in the Assembly, aimed to transform farming from subsistence to a market-oriented and climate-resilient system. Noting that nearly 70 per cent of the population depends on agriculture, he emphasised mechanisation, scientific farming, and youth participation, and announced introduction of seven new high-yielding, climate-resilient rice varieties.
Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Legal Metrology K.T. Sukhalu said the state has shifted to Smart PDS from May 2025, enabling digitisation and real-time monitoring. He said Aadhaar-based authentication through ePOS devices has been made mandatory, manual distribution stopped, and households earning above Rs.2.5 lakh annually excluded from free ration categories.
Advisor for Land Resources G. Ikuto Zhimomi highlighted initiatives in watershed development, spring rejuvenation, and expansion of plantation crops, projecting potential in scaling up coffee cultivation to 50,000 hectares and rubber to 30,000 hectares. He stressed non-politicised beneficiary selection and coordination with district officials.
Minister for Rural Development and SIRD Metsubo Jamir called for full participation in the national census and accurate electoral roll verification, and flagged weak grassroots participation as a concern.
In his keynote address, NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon welcomed party leaders and said the meeting aimed to strengthen coordination at all levels. He stressed that grassroots outreach was key to electoral success and called for stronger leadership and coordination ahead of elections. He also reiterated that the party’s objective was to protect the interests, rights and welfare of the people.
Kikon raised concerns over delimitation based solely on population, terming it unfair to smaller states like Nagaland. He called for broader consensus through engagement with tribal leaders and warned that such a move could reduce the state’s voice in national decision-making. He also reiterated support for women’s reservation and highlighted fiscal constraints limiting development activities.
The programme was chaired by working president of Central Youth Wing Lhouvi Punyü, with invocation by Ahino Tep, president Tseminyu division. Special numbers were presented by Lolia Ngouri Pochury and Themshao P. Khiamniungan. Achung N. Phom, general secretary Central Women Wing, was part of the proceedings. The programme concluded with a benediction by Y. Tokiu, followed by an interaction session.