A consultation meeting on key developmental priorities of Nagaland 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, 2026.
The meeting was convened by Development Commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, 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 within the State, reducing dependence on imports of agricultural, horticultural and livestock products, promoting self-sufficiency and identifying opportunities for research, innovation and inter-institutional collaboration towards achieving the vision of Viksit Nagaland 2047.
Speaking at the meeting, Y. Kikheto Sema stressed the need to strengthen higher education institutions in the State to reduce the significant expenditure incurred by families sending students outside Nagaland. He said the State’s peaceful environment and favourable eco-climatic conditions could also enable Nagaland to attract students from neighbouring States.
On agriculture and horticulture, Sema called for a comprehensive assessment of the State’s demand and supply, including the quantity and value of products imported from outside. He stressed that such assessments should be based on field level data and research to identify areas where Nagaland can achieve self-sufficiency and subsequently explore export opportunities.
He also called for comprehensive research on jhum and shifting cultivation, noting that Nagaland’s unique agricultural practices and local conditions need greater attention in agricultural research and education. He urged SAS, Medziphema, to explore incorporating relevant aspects of jhum cultivation into its academic curriculum.
The livestock sector was also discussed, particularly meat, milk and egg production. Sema called for assessment of the existing demand-supply gap and measures to increase local production, including promotion of goat and cattle rearing, with the objective of reducing dependence on imports.
Prof. N. Venuh, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, appreciated the initiative of involving the University in the State’s development and research priorities. He assured that the University would provide available data and extend support for future research.
Prof. Venuh said substantial research and data are already available on education, agriculture and village-level development, but these need to be better utilised for policymaking and planning.
Dr. Rokolhuu Keditsu, Associate Professor, SAS, stated that an in depth study on the proposed areas had not yet been undertaken, while Dr. Debika Nongmaithem, Assistant Professor, highlighted inadequate irrigation facilities as a major constraint to agricultural production and farmers’ income.
Dr. I. Shakuntala Devi, Dean, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, said that as the college is newly established, research activities are still at an initial stage. She highlighted the demand for smoked meat and the potential for improved smoking technologies to enhance quality and create wider market and export opportunities.
Representatives of the Higher Education, School Education, Agriculture, Horticulture and Veterinary Departments shared updates on available data and ongoing activities. The Agriculture and Horticulture Departments stated that demand supply data would be updated and shared with SAS for further analysis, while the Veterinary Department highlighted difficulties in obtaining accurate data on meat imports following the closure of check gates.
In his concluding remarks, Sema stated that the Vision 2047 document for Nagaland is targeted for release on or before December 2026. Referring to assessments associated with the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions, he said families from Nagaland are estimated to spend not less than ₹1,500 crore on higher education outside the State, while expenditure on imported meat and meat products is estimated at around ₹1,000 crore. He also pointed to the State’s substantial deficiency in agricultural and horticultural products, particularly paddy, resulting in high import dependence.
Sema emphasised that the immediate priority under Vision 2047 should be to achieve self-sufficiency in essential sectors, with export promotion to follow once sufficient production capacity and market opportunities are developed.
He urged all concerned line departments and institutions to work in close coordination and submit a consolidated report at the earliest for further discussion and action.
(Esuihangle, IA)
