Centre announces INR 338.83 crore for agriculture development in Nagaland

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• Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaking during an event at Jalukie on Thursday.

• DIMAPUR — Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Thursday announced a central financial assistance package of INR 338.83 crore for Nagaland’s agriculture sector.
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• A press release stated that the minister made this commitment while addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the new Administrative-cum-Academic Block of the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (CoVSc&AH) at Jalukie in Peren district.
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• Underscoring the need for targeted development in agriculture and allied sectors, he urged the Nagaland government to submit a comprehensive action plan to ensure the timely and effective utilisation of the funds.
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• Chouhan proposed the formation of district-level scientific teams comprising KVK experts, university professionals, and farmers to visit villages twice a month.
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• These teams, he said, will interact directly with farmers to understand ground realities and assist in developing effective policy and technological solutions.
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• He also highlighted opportunities in natural farming in Nagaland and assured full support from the central government for such initiatives. The minister visited a Farmers’ Fair and exhibition, featuring 12 stalls showcasing technologies and products in livestock, fisheries, agriculture, and allied sectors, including contributions from self-help groups.
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• He invited students to meet him in Delhi to discuss their innovative ideas and assured financial as well as institutional support for student-led start-ups and entrepreneurship initiatives.
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• The minister expressed his desire to revisit Nagaland to maintain ongoing dialogue with farmers and youth.

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• Governor La. Ganesan, who presided over the function, appreciated the Central Agricultural University and the Jalukie college for their role in improving animal healthcare and agriculture in the NEH region. He emphasised the importance of scientific partnerships and grassroots involvement in realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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• Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang also stressed the importance of research-oriented and technology-driven farming for economic advancement in Nagaland.
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• The event saw participation from 639 farmers (231 men and 408 women) from 29 villages in Peren and Chümoukedima districts, along with 84 state and central government officials.