An insightful workshop on economic development of Asetkong on Wednesday delved into the region’s developmental landscape, addressing pertinent challenges and exploring promising opportunities for growth. Held at the Asetkong Senden Salang in Kubolong, the workshop drew notable figures and experts to share insights on economic and social progress, organized by the ‘Think Tank Committee’.
Delivering a keynote address, TN Mannen, Advisor for Law and Justice and Land Revenue emphasized development as a process of change in social and economic spheres, stating that the strength of a nation depends on its economic and developmental foundation. He asserted that development cannot commence without political involvement, emphasizing that it should not be about party politics but rather for the benefit of Asetkong, regardless of the party. He encouraged people to prioritize Asetkong’s development in their agendas and insisted on unity among the people.
Mannen mentioned both the positive and negative aspects of Asetkong. He highlighted that while the land is rich in resources, with fertile soil and many small rivers, there is a lack of knowledge on how to utilize these resources effectively. He added that there is a low number of young farmers. Citing the products made in Asetkong, such as Mopungchuket ‘amzü’, which have significant commercial potential and could create employment for 40-50 people, and ‘nüushi’ from Süngratsü village, which has a high probability of becoming a ‘national’ cuisine, Mannen emphasized that achieving these goals is feasible. He further encouraged people to take an interest in cooperative business and urged them to discuss employment generation and employment opportunities for young people.
The program featured Meysashi Longkumer, Director of Horticulture, Nagaland; Dr Sarendi Walling, Assistant Chief Technical Officer (Animal Science) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mokokchung; Er Imlisunep Ao, Principal, Industrial Training Institute, Mokokchung; and Dr Bendangienla Aier, Lecturer, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, and Director, Inquisitor Consultant, Odisha, as resource speakers. They presented various economic developmental aspects and areas to focus on, encouraging Asetkong citizens by presenting their data research, schemes, and income-generating ideas.
During the discussion hour, the participants addressed three main agenda items. Firstly, they discussed opening an Asetkong market and building a cold room for farm products to be sold there. Secondly, they talked about further developing the infrastructure of Kubolong High School. Third, the village councils agreed to discuss the needs of farmers in each village and submit these needs to the Think Tank Committee for implementation.
