Dr. Rio in his Independence Day speech at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza in Kohima on 15th August 2026, said the agriculture and allied sector is set to undergo a major transformation following the approval of the Nagaland Agriculture Policy, 2025. The policy, he said, provides a clear roadmap for building a resilient, sustainable and prosperous agricultural economy that enhances farmers' livelihoods, strengthens food and nutrition security and promotes climate-resilient growth.
He also highlighted the launch of the Unified Digital Agriculture Ecosystem under the Digital Agriculture Mission which aims to build a robust farmer-centric Digital Public Infrastructure.
On horticulture, Rio said proposals for establishing two Centres of Excellence i.e. for Kiwifruit at Pfutsero, Phek and for Dendrobium (Orchid) at State Horticulture Nursery, Chumoukedima, are under process.
The Chief Minister said that the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services signed an MoU with Cooperl, a French pork processing company, which marks an important step towards modernising Nagaland’s piggery sector through scientific breeding methods and improved farming practices.
Dr. Rio also highlighting the recently launched Cluster-based Coffee Value Chain Development in Nagaland, stated that it will strengthen the state’s coffee value chain and positioning Nagaland as a premium coffee-producing hub. Under this, pilot coffee clusters will be developed at Tuophema and Ghotovi, which will include setting up hi-tech nurseries, post-harvest infrastructure, roasteries and branding campaigns to establish 'Coffees of Nagaland' as a premium single-origin brand. Rio also mentioned that the Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, recognising the economic potential of Agarwood, the state has adopted the Nagaland Agarwood (Conservation and Promotion) Policy, 2026.
The Chief Minister further informed that for securing the rightful share of the State in the mineral oil resources in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) along Nagaland -Assam border, a Tripartite MoU was signed between the Government of India, Government of Nagaland and Government of Assam on 11th June 2026. He also referred to the adjudication of the suo motu PIL concerning mineral oil resources by the Gauhati High Court, describing it as another major milestone that has paved the way for exploration and production activities across the state. He added that the state government is now in the advanced stage of discussions with the central government to evolve a Nagaland-specific regulatory framework in conformity with our special constitutional provisions of Article 371 A.