Nagaland University on Wednesday signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two Japanese agricultural companies to offer one-year internship opportunities for students in Japan, providing them with practical training in advanced farming techniques and international work experience.
The agreements were signed with Kumagai Farm Co., Ltd. of Tokushima Prefecture and Hagumi Farm Co., Ltd. of Kochi Prefecture during the Nagaland-Japan Connect MoU Signing and Exchange Ceremony held at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema Campus.
Under the MoUs, students from the Department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development will undertake 12-month internships in Japan as part of their academic curriculum. The programme will expose students to modern agricultural practices, Japanese work culture, technology and professional standards, with academic credits awarded in accordance with university regulations.
Welcoming the collaboration, Dean of SAS Prof. Pauline Alila said the MoUs marked the beginning of “a shared vision, mutual trust and a commitment to advancing agricultural education through international collaboration.”
Representative Director of Kumagai Farm, Takeo Kumagai, described the agreement as “the beginning of a long-term collaboration” that could create employment opportunities for Nagaland’s youth while expanding into research, technology transfer, skill development and industry cooperation.
Yamamoto Seiya, Representative Director of Hagumi Farm, said the collaboration would combine Japan’s expertise in precision and sustainable agriculture with Nagaland’s strengths. “This partnership is not about one side teaching the other but it is about learning together,” he said.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dipak Sinha expressed hope that the partnership would eventually expand to include joint research initiatives and online programmes on advanced agricultural technologies.
Nagaland University will oversee student selection, academic credit recognition and internship evaluation, with the initiative expected to strengthen international collaboration and broaden students’ global career opportunities.