DPDB Chairman Mhathung Yanthan, MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe, Deputy Commissioner K Mhathung Tsanglao and other officials during the monthly DPDB meeting at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Hall, Wokha, on November 12. (DIPR Photo)
Wokha, November 12 (MExN): The monthly meeting of the Wokha District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) was held at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Hall on Thursday, with Advisor and DPDB Chairman Mhathung Yanthan in the chair.
A DIPR update informed that the meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Commissioner and DPDB Vice-Chairman K Mhathung Tsanglao, while MLA Mhonbemo Humtsoe was also present.
A major agenda of the meeting was a presentation on Agri Stack, a Government of India initiative aimed at creating a unique digital identity for every farmer.
State Nodal Officer for Agri Stack, Rhonchamo Kikon, briefed the members on the project's objectives, implementation strategy and benefits.
Kikon informed the house that implementation of Agri Stack in Nagaland began in 2022, with Wokha and Chümoukedima identified as pilot districts. He said the initiative aimed to establish a comprehensive digital database of farmers, digitise land records and improve the delivery of government schemes and services to the farming community.
He cautioned that farmers without a digital identity risked missing out on various government benefits and welfare schemes. The absence of a verified database also posed challenges for the government in effectively monitoring and planning agricultural interventions.
The house was informed that a pilot phase commenced in June 2026, while full-scale implementation in Wokha and Chümoukedima districts would begin in November.
The State Nodal Officer also explained the village-level implementation plan, land survey processes and the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including the District Administration, District Agriculture Office, Village Councils and other line departments involved in the project.
Members participated in an extensive discussion on the implementation of Agri Stack, deliberating on its potential challenges, benefits and long-term significance. The presentation highlighted the importance of farmer identification, digitised land holdings, accurate land records and coordinated institutional support in strengthening the agricultural sector.
Reviewing the minutes of the previous meeting, members also discussed the condition of the Wokha-Merapani road, particularly in view of the approaching deadline earlier fixed for related works and interventions.
The meeting further took up the proposed District Hospital project. ADC Wokha and Committee Chairman Renbomo Ezung informed the Board that the final site selected for construction of the District Hospital was at Saronphen, below the Vankhosung area.
During the PowerPoint presentation session, District Youth Resources Officer Libemo Jami highlighted the activities and programmes undertaken by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports in Wokha.
He emphasised the need to identify and nurture young sporting talent and cited examples of young Naga athletes who had excelled and won medals at the national level. He encouraged greater investment in grassroots sports development.
The Department of Social Welfare also presented an overview of its activities and welfare programmes. District Welfare Officer James Ezung and District Programme Officer Bonathung Ngullie apprised the house of the department's ongoing initiatives and various schemes being implemented for the welfare of different sections of society.
