Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Thursday announced that Rs 380 crore will be sanctioned for farmers’ welfare in Nagaland, urging the state government to submit a detailed action plan for agricultural development, DIPR reported. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the new Administrative-cum-Academic Block and a Farmers’ Fair at the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry in Jalukie, Peren.
Addressing the event, Chouhan emphasized the government’s “unwavering commitment to capacity building, scientific innovation, and self-reliance,” and urged students to become ambassadors of veterinary science in the remotest villages and farming communities.
Chouhan further advised the Nagaland government to form district-level core teams—comprising students, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and university professors—to visit farmers twice a month, identify local agricultural issues, and promote region-specific crops and livestock varieties to enhance income.
The event was attended by Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, Minister for Rural Development Metsubo Jamir, and other dignitaries.
Highlighting systemic gaps in agricultural research and education, Deputy CM TR Zeliang used the occasion to push for the establishment of new institutions. Pointing out that over 70% of Nagaland’s population depends on agriculture, with nearly 80% still engaged in shifting (jhum) cultivation, Zeliang said the lack of higher educational institutions in agriculture has created “a real and growing sense of deprivation” among youth and farmers.
Zeliang appealed to the Union Minister to consider the following for Nagaland:
· Establish a Regional Research Centre on Natural Farming of Hill Agriculture, focusing on sustainable jhum practices.
· Approve the proposed College of Natural Farming at Yisemyong in Mokokchung under Central Agricultural University, Imphal.
· Set up new Colleges of Horticulture & Forestry and Fishery to boost academic and economic capacity.
· Sanction six new KVKs in newly created districts to improve last-mile delivery of farm technologies.
Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, in his address, said the event symbolized more than academic expansion, calling it a step toward “strengthening the rural economy and agricultural development.” He said the college, as a constituent of the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, must bridge “cutting-edge scientific knowledge with the grassroots needs” of the people.
The Governor emphasized veterinary education as critical to sustainable agriculture and food security, urging students to see themselves as “custodians of progress” committed to transforming rural lives. He reaffirmed government support for scientific advancement and agricultural growth, and called on students to take the new facility as a “catalyst for transformative research” and partner with farmers on local challenges.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Developed India by 2047,” Ganesan said students are the “architects of this dream,” and must embrace education not merely as a personal milestone but as a national duty.