G Ikuto Zhimomi, MLA and Advisor for Land Resources, today called on Nagaland’s youth to turn to farming as a key driver for the state’s economic growth and development.
Speaking at an interaction with the Sumi Discussion Forum at his official residence in Kohima, Zhimomi stressed the urgent need to replace traditional shifting cultivation with permanent farming methods. Citing successful agricultural economies such as Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, and Japan — all with hilly terrains similar to Nagaland — he highlighted how these countries have achieved prosperity through advanced, sustainable farming techniques.
“Permanent farming practices, supported by technical expertise, are essential to increase productivity and boost exports,” Zhimomi said. He pointed to innovative approaches like Net Houses and greenhouses, widely used in Gulf countries, as models that Nagaland could adopt to revolutionize agriculture.
Nagaland faces a critical challenge with its high number of unemployed educated youth, the advisor noted. “Farming should no longer be a profession only for our parents. The educated youth must step forward and become expert farmers themselves,” he urged.
Drawing from his experience as former Chief Executive Officer of the Nagaland State Agricultural Marketing Board (NSAMB), Zhimomi recalled his pioneering success in exporting the famed Naga King Chilli to London, making Nagaland the first in India to do so.
“This achievement proves that our agricultural products have strong international potential. With the right knowledge and resources, we can meet local demands, reduce dependency on neighboring states, and tap into global markets,” he added.
As a former Director of Agriculture in Nagaland, Zhimomi’s insights come from years of experience in the sector. He emphasized that by leveraging technology and skill development, the state’s youth can transform Nagaland’s agriculture landscape and foster sustainable economic growth.
The Sumi Discussion Forum members thanked Advisor G Ikuto Zhimomi for hosting the event and sharing his valuable expertise, expressing optimism about the future of agriculture in Nagaland.