The Nagaland government on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cooperl, a leading French pork processing company, to modernise the state’s piggery sector through scientific breeding, improved farming practices and capacity building.
The MoU was signed at the Embassy of France in New Delhi by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou.
Announcing the development on X, Rio described the agreement as “the beginning of a landmark partnership built on mutual trust, shared aspirations, and a commitment to sustainable development.”
He said the collaboration would invest in training and educating farmers, veterinarians and technical professionals, while establishing a centre dedicated to protecting and promoting Nagaland’s indigenous pig breeds.
“We are encouraged that this partnership will invest in training and educating our farmers, veterinarians, and technical professionals, while also establishing a Centre dedicated to protecting and promoting Nagaland’s indigenous pig breeds, balancing innovation with conservation,” Rio said.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the initiative would be the first of many collaborations between France and Nagaland across diverse sectors. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for responsible investment, innovation and international partnerships for sustainable development.
Rio also credited France’s participation as a partner country at the Hornbill Festival 2025 for laying the foundation for the collaboration.
“The partnership is an example of how cultural diplomacy can evolve into meaningful economic cooperation,” he said, adding that the festival had fostered genuine friendships, built confidence and opened new avenues for collaboration between France and Nagaland.