Call for Nagaland Cooperatives to lead state’s prosperity drive

Morung Express News 
Kohima | November 18

Describing the theme, ‘Cooperatives as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation’ as “very timely”, V Shashank Shekhar IAS, Agricultural Production Commissioner (APC) Nagaland urged that, “Cooperatives in Nagaland can and must play a significant role in the economic prosperity of the state and the country.”

Speaking at the Nagaland Cooperative Conclave, he recalled his interaction with various stakeholders in the agriculture and allied sector since he was given the charge of APC. He spoke about the Banana Festival in Wokha during which women SHGs displayed various products. He also highlighted that every coffee variety has its own unique fragrance, which is derived from its local environment, and among others, Komul and Dimul, and several other products such as pineapple, kiwi besides medicinal and aromatic plants. 

Today, he underscored that, “with opportunities expanding across agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, and especially natural farming, Cooperatives offer a powerful pathway for addressing many of our long-standing challenges.”

Pointing to the challenges such as small and fragmented landholdings, limited mechanization, high logistics costs, and weak market linkages, he asserted that, “these are not problems that an individual farmer can solve alone.”

“But when farmers, entrepreneurs, producer groups, and the government come together in the form of cooperatives, FPOs, FPCs, or self-help groups and work with a shared vision, the solutions become achievable,” he underscored. 

Stating that the Agriculture and Allied Departments have been working towards strengthening the cooperative ecosystem, he said that, “we now have farmers’ groups under FPO and FPC models, strong SHG networks under NRHM, and emerging initiatives like the ‘One Village One Cooperative’ scheme.” 

He said these are steps in the right direction, however emphasised that, “we must think beyond departmental boundaries, for convergence is the key.” He further urged to keep in mind that cooperatives are not only about economic gains, but they strengthen communities, enhance social capital, and ensure that benefits reach the grassroots.

In the meantime, highlighting the need for youth engagement, he said, “with new opportunities in agri-startups, climate-resilient farming, processing, logistics, and digital agriculture, cooperatives can become the platform for young entrepreneurs to innovate and lead.”

In this regard, he said, “our youth have energies, ideas, and the desire to build something meaningful.” On the other hand, he urged for transparency, which, he added is essential in society, in government, and also in families while exuding hope that, “with our collective efforts and cooperation, and initiative, let us build a strong cooperative movement and maybe do something new in Nagaland which will be an example and inspiration for the rest of the country.”

Cooperatives: Nagaland’s engine for inclusive growth

In his brief address, Orenthung Lotha, NCS, Commissioner & Secretary, Cooperation & IPR noted that Cooperative Equalities for Economic Transformation is a reminder of the power of unity, collaboration, and community driven by enterprise. 

Stating that Cooperative is a long-winded engine of inclusive growth, particularly in a region like Nagaland, where collectives of small and mutual support form the backbone of our social security, he remarked that the schedule of the Conclave starts as “a testament to our commitment to harnessing the Co-operative Economic Plan that builds a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable economy.”

Other highlights of the programmes included signing of Memorandum of Understanding between NCEL and MARCOFED Ltd., distribution of Micro-ATM to PACS, special presentation of ‘Ara Kezivi’ by Meneno Chücha while Ameno Nagi SRCS was the compere.

NCDC Regional Award for Cooperative Excellence and Merit 2025

During the inaugural of the Conclave, NCDC Regional Award for Cooperative Excellence and Merit 2025 were also presented to Cooperatives in the following categories:

Best Primary Credit Coops (PACS)

•    Self Support Women MPCS Ltd., Science College, Kohima (First Prize- Excellence)

•    Atsitsa Large Area MPCS Ltd., Kiphire (Second Prize- Merit)

Best Primary Cooperative Society in Agri Sector

•    Adianu Agri & Allied Cooperative Society Ltd., B’khel Longsa Village, Mokokchung (First Prize Excellence)

•    Moutshou Agri & Alied Cooperative Society Ltd., Chendang Village, Tuensang (Second Prize- Merit)

Best Women Cooperatives

•    Mima Noh Weaving & Industrial Cooperative Society Ltd., Tuensang (First Prize- Excellence)

•    Thenumin Kehou MPCS Ltd., Vidima Village, Chümoukedima (Second Prize- Merit)

Best FPO Cooperatives

•    Kade FPO Cooperative Society Ltd., Pfutsero, Phek (First Prize- Excellence)

•    Tchutho Cooperative FPO Ltd., Meriyan Village, Wokha (Second Prize- Merit)