Nagaland has prioritised self-sufficiency in essential sectors and stronger higher education under Vision 2047, targeting reduced imports and greater local production.
DIMAPUR — Nagaland has identified self-sufficiency in essential sectors and strengthening higher education as immediate priorities under its proposed Vision 2047, with the state estimated to spend around INR 1,500 crore on higher education outside Nagaland and another INR 1,000 crore on imported meat and meat products.
These issues were discussed at a consultation meeting on key developmental priorities of Nagaland in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and Viksit Bharat 2047, held at the conference room of the Development Commissioner, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on Thursday, a DIPR report stated.
Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema, who convened the meeting, said 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 called for a comprehensive assessment of the State’s demand and supply of agricultural, horticultural and livestock products, including the quantity and value of goods imported from outside Nagaland.
He stressed that such assessments should be based on field-level data and research to identify areas where the State can achieve self-sufficiency and subsequently explore export opportunities.
Sema also highlighted the need to strengthen higher education institutions within the State to reduce the significant expenditure incurred by families sending students outside Nagaland.
He said Nagaland’s peaceful environment and favourable eco-climatic conditions could also enable the state to attract students from neighbouring states.
Referring to assessments associated with the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions, Sema said families from Nagaland are estimated to spend not less than INR 1,500 crore on higher education outside the state, while expenditure on imported meat and meat products is estimated at around INR 1,000 crore.
He also pointed to the state’s substantial deficit in agricultural and horticultural production, particularly paddy, resulting in high dependence on imports.
The livestock sector was discussed with particular focus on meat, milk and egg production. Sema called for an assessment of the existing demand-supply gap and measures to increase local production, including the promotion of goat and cattle rearing, with the objective of reducing dependence on imports.
He further called for comprehensive research on jhum and shifting cultivation, noting that Nagaland’s unique agricultural practices and local conditions require greater attention in agricultural research and education.
He urged the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema, to explore incorporating relevant aspects of jhum cultivation into its academic curriculum.
The meeting also focused on strengthening research, innovation and inter-institutional collaboration to support the vision of Viksit Nagaland 2047.
It was convened with participation from representatives of Nagaland University (NU), SAS, Medziphema, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Jalukie, and concerned line departments, according to a DIPR report.
Prof. N Venuh, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, appreciated the initiative to involve 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.
Venuh said substantial research and data were already available on education, agriculture and village-level development, but these needed to be better utilised for policymaking and planning.
Dr. Rokolhuu Keditsu, Associate Professor, SAS, stated that an in-depth study of the proposed areas had not yet been undertaken.
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 research activities at the newly established college were 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.
Sema stated that the Vision 2047 document for Nagaland is targeted for release on or before December 2026.
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.