Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav urges stronger regional cooperation, connectivity and development at the NEC plenary session.
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DIMAPUR — Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Thursday called for enhanced regional cooperation, improved connectivity and greater investment in infrastructure, youth empowerment and sustainable development while addressing the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong.
According to a press release issued by the PRO, Raj Bhavan, Kohima, the governor reaffirmed Nagaland’s commitment to building a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive Northeast and said regional collaboration remains central to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Nagaland.
Highlighting agriculture as the backbone of Nagaland’s economy, Yadav said more than 70 per cent of the population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood.
He underscored the importance of strengthening value chains, certification mechanisms and market access for the state’s organic products, including pineapple, cucumber, persimmon, Naga king chilli, coffee and agarwood.
He also advocated integrating modern technology with traditional agricultural practices.
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On infrastructure and connectivity, the governor said improved connectivity remains essential for economic growth and regional integration. He highlighted the need to expedite development of the proposed airport at Ciethu and additional airstrips at Mokokchung, Tuensang and Mon.
Yadav also advocated development of the Foothills Road and railway connectivity projects, stating that such initiatives would unlock industrial, mineral and agricultural potential across the state.
Emphasising education and youth empowerment, he expressed concern over the absence of premier educational institutions in Nagaland, which compels many students to pursue higher education outside the state.
He urged consideration for establishment of national or regional institutions in Nagaland and highlighted entrepreneurship, innovation and skill development as key pathways for the state’s youth.
The governor also highlighted the establishment of Nagaland’s first Drone School and Centre of Excellence under the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission as an important step towards creating new livelihood opportunities.
Yadav noted Nagaland’s progress in sustainable development and said three districts, Mokokchung, Kohima and Dimapur, were ranked among the top 10 performers in the North Eastern Region District SDG Index 2.0, reflecting advances in inclusive growth and governance.
On industrialisation and energy security, he called for enhanced support for scientific mineral exploration and sustainable resource development.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to renewable energy initiatives, including the Nagaland Solar Mission, which aims to meet 15 per cent of energy requirements through rooftop solar systems.
He also highlighted sports, culture and tourism as important pillars of socio-economic growth, noting Nagaland’s growing profile in hosting sporting events and promoting cultural tourism through initiatives such as the Hornbill Festival and community-based tourism models.
The governor said stronger last-mile connectivity, eco-sensitive infrastructure and digital promotion would be key to unlocking the region’s tourism potential.
Calling for strengthening of the North Eastern Council, Yadav advocated enhanced powers, greater funding support and equitable distribution of resources among all eight northeastern states to bridge developmental gaps and accelerate regional progress.
He further reaffirmed Nagaland’s commitment to working closely with the NEC and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, reiterating the state’s guiding principle of “Peace for development and development for peace” while envisioning a peaceful, progressive and self-reliant Nagaland by 2047.