Families from Nagaland are estimated to spend not less than Rs 1,500 crore on higher education outside the State, Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, said during a consultation on the State’s development priorities under the proposed Viksit Nagaland 2047 vision.
Sema made the statement during a consultation meeting with Nagaland University, its School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Jalukie, and concerned government departments at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on September 10.
Referring to assessments associated with the 14th and 15th Finance Commissions, Sema said the State also spends an estimated Rs 1,000 crore on imported meat and meat products.
He said the figures highlight the need for Nagaland to strengthen its own institutions and production capacity, with self-sufficiency in essential sectors to be the immediate priority under Vision 2047.
On higher education, Sema stressed the need to strengthen institutions within the State to reduce the financial burden on families sending students outside Nagaland. He also said Nagaland’s peaceful environment and favourable eco-climatic conditions could enable the State to attract students from neighbouring States.
The consultation also focused on reducing dependence on agricultural, horticultural and livestock products brought in from outside the State. Sema called for a comprehensive assessment of demand and supply, including the quantity and value of imported products, based on field-level data and research.
He said such an assessment would help identify areas where Nagaland could achieve self-sufficiency and, once adequate production capacity is established, explore opportunities for exports.
Sema also called for greater research into jhum and shifting cultivation, saying Nagaland’s distinct agricultural practices and local conditions require greater attention in agricultural research and education. He urged SAS, Medziphema, to explore incorporating relevant aspects of jhum cultivation into its academic curriculum.
The livestock sector was another focus, particularly meat, milk and egg production. Sema called for an assessment of existing demand-supply gaps and measures to increase local production, including promotion of goat and cattle rearing.
Prof N Venuh, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, welcomed the involvement of the University in the State’s development and research priorities. He said substantial research and data were already available on education, agriculture and village-level development but needed to be better utilised for policymaking and planning.
Dr Rokolhuu Keditsu, Associate Professor, SAS, said in-depth studies on some of the proposed areas had yet to be undertaken, while Dr Debika Nongmaithem, Assistant Professor, identified inadequate irrigation facilities as a major constraint to agricultural production and farmers’ income.
Dr I Shakuntala Devi, Dean of the College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, said research activities at the newly established college were still at an initial stage. She highlighted the demand for smoked meat and the potential for improved smoking technologies to enhance quality and create wider market and export opportunities.
Representatives of the Higher Education, School Education, Agriculture, Horticulture and Veterinary Departments shared updates on available data and ongoing activities. The Agriculture and Horticulture Departments said demand-supply data would be updated and shared with SAS for further analysis, while the Veterinary Department highlighted difficulties in obtaining accurate data on meat imports following the closure of check gates.
Sema said the Vision 2047 document for Nagaland is targeted for release on or before December 2026.
He urged the concerned departments and institutions to work in close coordination and submit a consolidated report at the earliest for further discussion and action.