Modern College organises seminar on sustainable rural development

DIMAPUR — A one-day state-level seminar titled “Achieving sustainable rural development in Nagaland: challenges, interventions, and way forward” was organised by Modern College, Piphema, with support from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on Saturday at the college’s indoor stadium.

Delivering the keynote address, Ong Pulam Mounglang, Deputy General Manager of NABARD, lauded Modern College for organising the seminar. He highlighted that, through NABARD’s intervention, the state now has 13 FPOs and 21 springshed projects funded by the Tribal Development Fund, among other initiatives, according to a press release.

Nezelu Nyekha, executive director of the Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS), spoke on the role of agriculture, off-farm and non-farm activities, and rural institutions.

She outlined CWWS’s work in integrated farming and the geographical indication of Chakhesang shawls and encouraged young people to engage in the agri-value chain.

Sentimongla Kechuhcar, executive director of the Northeast Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA), spoke on “Community development initiatives: implementation challenges and successful interventions.”

She informed the audience about NEIDA’s work in the state and urged young people to adopt a mindset shift from dependency to self-reliance. She emphasised the need for successful role models in the agricultural sector.

Paul Lokho, director of Pro Rural, speaking on “The way forward for sustainable rural development in Nagaland” highlighted Pro Rural’s work with rural communities engaged in jhum cultivation.

Lokho stressed the need for future job opportunities in agriculture and the importance of a strong policy. He asserted that sustainability in Nagaland will depend on sustainable agricultural practices.

This was followed by a Q&A session. The seminar, coordinated by the departments of Economics and Vocational Studies, was attended by a total of 230 participants, including teaching faculty and students from Baptist College and the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research.