WOKHA SIGNS MoU WITH NECTAR TO BOOST AGRI-ENTREPRENEURSHIP
WOKHA, FEBRUARY 21: A consultative meeting and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Wokha District Administration and the Northeast Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), Shillong, was held on Friday at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Wokha.
Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar, IAS, in his welcome address, highlighted the vast potential of agriculture-based entrepreneurship in the district. He stated that Wokha’s agro-climatic conditions are well-suited for diverse crops and plantations, but noted that limited technological intervention has left much of this potential untapped. Referring to the success of the district’s first Banana Festival, he emphasised that technological integration could significantly transform the farming ecosystem and entrepreneurship landscape in Wokha.
Director General of NECTAR, Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma, in his special address, lauded the initiative of the district administration and outlined NECTAR’s objectives of disseminating technology for societal transformation, strengthening livelihoods through technology integration and promoting skill upgradation. He highlighted schemes such as PM-DevINE and stressed practical measures to enhance agricultural productivity and the rural economy by equipping farmers with modern machinery and introducing innovative technologies to harness untapped resources.
The MoU was formally signed between Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar and Director General Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma.
During the program, Research Associate Dr. Sunita Upadhyaya presented an overview of the Community Seed Bank, followed by its virtual inauguration at Baghty Village. She explained that the initiative aims to preserve, exchange and promote indigenous as well as improved seed varieties, ensuring farmers’ access to quality seeds while safeguarding biodiversity.
Head of the Division of Plant Exploration and Germplasm Collection, ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Dr. Praveen Kumar Singh, elaborated on NECTAR’s objectives and outreach initiatives. The event also witnessed the distribution of PGS-India Scope Certificates to master trainers under the PM-DevINE project, awarded to organic growers from Yimparasa, Baghty, Pangtong and Serika villages.
Skill Development Officer, Wokha, Anuranjan Singh, presented an overview of the district’s opportunities and prospects, underscoring the scope for entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.
Entrepreneurs from across the district, including representatives of the Small Tea Growers Association, Yuthi Delight and Biodynamics Wokha, participated in the discussions, raising concerns and seeking support to strengthen farming practices and agri-entrepreneurship.
The meeting concluded with detailed deliberations on short-term and long-term action plans and avenues for collaboration. The consultative meeting and MoU signing marked a significant step toward integrating technology with agriculture, fostering entrepreneurship and building sustainable livelihoods in Wokha district. (DPRO and IA, Wokha)
