DIMAPUR: Department of Rural Development and Planning, Nagaland University (NU), in collaboration with Social Development Forum (SDF) Assam, organized 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.”
A press release by NU informed that the session was graced by Pro Vice-Chancellor NU, Medziphema Campus, Prof. Dipak Sinha, as the chief guest, who in his address highlighted the importance of youth-led innovation, interdisciplinary research and institutional collaboration in transforming Indian agriculture.
He also urged students and researchers to become change-makers who can address emerging challenges related to food security, sustainability and rural livelihoods.
Guest of honour, director ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Nagaland, Dr. Girish Patil S, emphasized the need to strengthen scientific research, sustainable livestock development and climate-resilient agricultural systems.
He also encouraged young researchers to pursue innovative solutions that improve farmers’ income while conserving natural resources.
The inaugural session also featured addresses by Kapuozo Kapuh, representing MY Bharat, who highlighted objectives of the Young Leaders Dialogue in engaging youth in nation-building and ADC Medziphema, James Swu, who appreciated the initiative for creating a platform where young people could contribute ideas for rural and agricultural transformation.
Following the inaugural session, an expert panel discussion was organized featuring eminent scientists and academicians, including Head, Department of Agronomy, Prof. T. Gohain, Scientist, AICRP, Dr. Ashwini Ananda, Horticulture Scientist, Dr. Aabon W. Yanthan, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kathiravan Periasamy, Senior Scientist, Dr. Sapunii Stephen Hanah, and Director SAMETI and Principal IETC, Dr. Bodevi Shuya.
The panel deliberated on emerging technologies, climate-smart agriculture, research priorities, digital extension services, entrepreneurship and sustainable farming systems for the North Eastern Region.
The inaugural session also featured a video message from Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik.
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.
