The Nagaland Cooperative Conclave, held at NBCC Convention Hall under the theme ”Cooperatives – A Catalyst for Economic Transformation,” emphasized the pivotal role of cooperatives in fostering economic development, empowering communities, and supporting Nagaland’s contribution to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of PHED and Cooperation Jacob Zhimomi said, “The cooperative sector has been working silently behind the scenes, yet their immense contribution to nation-building has not received timely recognition.” He stressed that promoting local industries, products, and entrepreneurs through cooperative societies is crucial, highlighting the synergy with the Central Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign aimed at strengthening self-sufficiency across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
Zhimomi further pointed out that India has risen to become the world’s fourth-largest economy and aspires to become the second largest by 2047. “In this journey, all states must contribute and develop their own economies,” he said. “Cooperatives are going to play a crucial role and be a principal guiding force to achieve Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” He also urged cooperative societies to explore diversification into tourism and called on the youth to actively participate in these initiatives.
APC Nagaland V Shashank Shekhar, IAS, echoed the importance of community-driven development, noting that self-help groups (SHGs) across the state demonstrate the strength of collective effort. “The theme of the conclave is very timely. Cooperatives can and must play a significant role in Nagaland’s development journey,” he said, highlighting challenges faced by the agricultural sector such as fragmented landholdings, high logistics costs, and weak market linkages. “Meaningful progress becomes achievable when farmers, producers, entrepreneurs, and government work together under strong cooperative structures,” he added.
Shashank also emphasized the potential of digital agriculture and technology-driven solutions to improve efficiency, transparency, and governance. Highlighting initiatives such as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) and the One Village One Cooperative Scheme, he called for greater community engagement, transparent governance, and increased youth participation. “Let us build a strong cooperative movement and maybe do something new in Nagaland which will be an example and inspiration for the rest of the country,” he said.
The conclave also marked significant milestones for Nagaland’s cooperative sector. NCEL and MARCOFED signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration, while the NCDC Regional Awards for Cooperative Excellence and Merit 2025 were presented to exemplary societies across the state. Winners included:
· Best Primary Credit Coops (PACS): Self Support Women MPCS Ltd., Science College, Kohima; Atsitsa Large Area MPCS Ltd., Kiphire
· Best Primary Cooperatives: Adianu Agri & Allied Cooperative Society Ltd., B’khel Longsa Village, Mokokchung; Moutshou Agri & Allied Cooperative Society Ltd., Chendang Village, Tuensang
· Best Women Cooperatives: Mima Noh Weaving & Industrial Cooperative Society Ltd., Tuensang; Thenumin Kehou MPCS Ltd., Vidima Village, Chumoukedima
· Best FPO Cooperatives: Kade FPO Cooperative Society Ltd., Pfutsero, Phek; Tchutho Cooperative FPO Ltd., Meriyan Village, Wokha
