Nagaland University’s Department of Rural Development and Planning, in collaboration with the Social Development Forum (SDF), Assam, organised the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) Young Professionals Roundtable 2026 at the university’s Medziphema Campus on July 31. Held under the aegis of MY Bharat, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the programme focused on the theme, “Enhancing Productivity through Smart and Sustainable Agriculture.”
The event brought together policymakers, scientists, academicians, administrators, research scholars, students and young professionals to discuss the future of agriculture and rural development.
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, Head of the Department of Rural Development and Planning, said agriculture today extends beyond food production and has become “a driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, climate resilience, and rural prosperity.” He stressed that empowering youth through technology and creating opportunities for women would be key to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
In a video message, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik underscored the need to integrate modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, precision farming, drones, digital agriculture and climate-smart practices with indigenous knowledge systems. He encouraged young people to view agriculture as “a sector of innovation, enterprise, and leadership.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dipak Sinha, the chief guest, highlighted the role of youth-led innovation, interdisciplinary research and institutional collaboration in transforming Indian agriculture. He urged students and researchers to become “change-makers” capable of addressing challenges related to food security, sustainability and rural livelihoods.
Guest of honour Dr. Girish Patil S., Director of ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, called for stronger scientific research, sustainable livestock development and climate-resilient farming systems to improve farmers’ incomes while conserving natural resources.
The programme also featured addresses by representatives of MY Bharat, the district administration and the Social Development Forum, who highlighted the importance of youth participation in nation-building and rural transformation.
An expert panel comprising scientists and academicians discussed emerging technologies, digital extension services, agricultural entrepreneurship, climate-smart farming and research priorities for the Northeast.
Research scholars and postgraduate students also presented innovative ideas on smart farming technologies, agricultural entrepreneurship, rural start-ups, and youth and women-led agricultural transformation.
The programme concluded with the presentation of participation certificates and a summary of key recommendations, with organisers emphasising youth-led innovation, digital transformation and climate-resilient agriculture as essential to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
