A consultative meeting and capacity-building workshop on advanced agriculture and allied sector development through science, technology, and innovation was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Wokha on 12th September 2025. The programme was jointly organized by the District Administration, Government of Nagaland, and CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Jorhat.

Director of CSIR-NEIST, Dr. Virendra M. Tiwari, highlighted Wokha’s promising agro-climatic conditions for cultivating floriculture, apiculture, and aromatic crops. He emphasized the potential of chamomile cultivation, noting that the crop can be grown three times a year in Nagaland and serves as both a tea ingredient and a nectar source for bees, supporting monofloral honey production.

Dr. Tiwari assured continued support from NEIST to farmers and entrepreneurs in the district, including the provision of high-quality planting materials, technical guidance, and assistance in value chain development from cultivation to market access. He commended the active participation of youth in the workshop and encouraged collaborative efforts to position Wokha as a model for sustainable agro-innovation in the region.

Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Vineet Kumar, IAS, urged participants to make full use of the training and seek technical support from NEIST to scale up their agricultural ventures. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to supporting individuals and groups willing to expand their initiatives.

The workshop featured technical sessions on crop specific cultivation practices, productivity enhancement, and profitability strategies. Participants, predominantly women aged between 25 and 60, expressed appreciation for the initiative and showed keen interest in adopting innovative agricultural practices.

The event marked a significant step toward integrating scientific expertise with local agricultural development, fostering inclusive growth and sustainability in the Wokha district.

(DPRO and IA Wokha)