‘Nagaland Economy: Its Elementary Features’ released

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 11  

A book titled ‘Nagaland Economy: Its Elementary Features’ authored by Dr. Yelhi Vero, was released by Dr. Aküm Longchari, publisher, The Morung Express, here at Hotel Acacia Tuesday evening.  

This is the second book of Dr. Vero, a gold medalist in Economics and presently an assistant professor at Dimapur Government College.  

In his introductory note at the release programme, the author shared his concern that though Nagaland has crossed fifty years of statehood, yet it remains one of the least economically developed among the states in the Indian Union.  

“The economy of Nagaland is basically an agrarian as the livelihood of the majority depends on primary sector which is predominantly agriculture. Yet, the statistics show that the major income of the people is earned from tertiary sector, which mainly constitutes the services in the organized public sector,” Vero said.   He also said the secondary sector, which is supposed to play a very significant role in the economy, continued to be stagnant over the period, an indicator of the weak economic background of the state.  

Vero said another highlight of the book is that the demographic changing pattern (migration of people from rural to urban areas) in the state is giving scope for positive measures towards climate change. “This situation (demographic pattern) is leading to the abandoning of many cultivated land in the rural areas….And therefore, the abandoned land can now be used to develop forest which will be able to fight against climate change,” he said.  

The author said since the book targets to present the basic features of the state’s economy, the characteristics of demography, infrastructure, economic development, natural resources, human development, structural change, agriculture and industrial development are discussed in the book.  

Dr. Aküm is his address said the book not only provides a bird’s eye view of the state of Nagaland economy but also points out to strengths and weaknesses of Naga economy and the prospects to look forward.  

He said since agriculture forms the backbone and strength of Naga economy, there is a need for a paradigm shift and multipronged strategy in the agri sector so that majority of the population can be gainfully employed in this sector.  

Taking into context the increasing migration of people from villages to towns and urban areas, the agricultural output and perpetual dependency of the state on central fund, he asked “Does it mean development policies have missed the point? Have we missed out on our priorities?”  

Dr. Aküm expressed optimism that the book with its comprehensive overview would engage students, entrepreneurs and academicians in a practical manner and also aid policy makers to make informed decisions. He further said the book would surely stimulate readers on what kind of a future the people of the state want.  

Academic dean, Eastern Christian College, Dimapur, Temsutula, chaired the programme and executive director, Resource Centre Dimapur, offered word of prayer.