The need for economic development is so deeply sensed, so much so that even a faint mention of it attracts attention of the masses. Unfortunately, most of us do not have the capacity to comprehend the whole gamut of the term “economic development” and it is very likely that almost all of us would struggle to explain or write a passage on what we understand by the term “economic development.” Even if we can somehow manage to elaborate on it, for the sake of it, the probability is very high that our understanding of the term would not conform with the laws of economics. In other words, economic development is a science and we do not have (any?) economic scientists among us. Therefore, us lay people talking to each other about economic development is like the ‘blind men and the elephant’ parable.
Fortunately, despite our rudimentary understanding of the term economic development, we can still achieve economic development even without understanding it. We can achieve economic development if we stick to the basics – earning a livelihood through hard work. For all we know, economic development is not manna from heaven. Economic development does not happen just like that. No one is going to come and develop our economy for us. It is us, the people, who will have to work in order to develop our economy. In this age and times, there are innumerable ways to earn a livelihood if one is willing to work hard. However, the most ideal way is by going back to till the soil. Humans cannot live without food and, therefore, producing food is the best business idea.
The Kohima Ao Officer Telongjem (KAOT) organized an awareness program on agri and allied sector on Saturday at Sangtemla Hall where at least 7 resource persons shared their knowledge and information with the participants. The topics discussed ranged from fisheries to animal husbandry, horticulture to coffee, from SHGs to value addition. Apart from highlighting the prospects and opportunities, the participants were also informed about the various ways in which the government is helping the deserving lot. Another important awareness creation at the event was on the need to change the mindset of the people. All in all, the event was an enlightening and beneficial experience for those who attended it. KAOT is appreciated for initiating the awareness program and it is hoped that more such activities will be undertaken in the future too.
If we get the basics right, our economy will naturally improve. As observed in the KAOT awareness program, educated youths and entrepreneurs should venture into the agri and allied sector. Our economic transformation can happen through this sector.
