Amit Kumar
IPS 2018 Nagaland Cadre
Nagaland , one of the seven sister states is located on Indo-Myanmar border. For long, state has been known for its its long pending problem of insurgency and whenever name of Nagaland comes to discussion, it takes centre stage. And what is always overshadowed is the economy of state. Today state is finding itself struggling with challenges of development. Poor connectivity, unemployment, regional economic disparity, shortage of education and medical facilities form the core of economic challenges for state.
Being facing the problem of insurgency , poor connectivity and tough hilly terrain, state do not provide good opportunity to industries to have base here and it is clearly reflected in almost complete absence of industries in state. On other hand having tough terrain farming on large scale is a challenge and state is still practicing Jhum cultivation and farming is on subsistence level. In such situation what is the ray of hope for economy of state? The answer lies in close observation of Naga Society and Terrain of Nagaland.
Firstly, almost whole of Nagaland is having hilly terrain. In such situation growing staple crops on large scale is not feasible. Such kind of terrain is more suitable for growing horticultural crops which is evident from the fact that already few areas are growing spices like cardamom, chilly and fruits like Pine apple and Kiwi. Secondly, strength of Nagaland lies in its social pattern where Naga Society is found very closely knit and a village is very close entity. People have collective rights over land. Thirdly , status of woman when seen in Naga Society is much better when compared to other parts of country and they are found to be backbone of co-ops and FPO’s in many parts of country.
In this situation the concepts like cooperative farming , farmer produce organizations holds great importance where collective efforts are needed and where it is need of small farmers/families to come together for increasing their gains. Nagaland’s terrain and society both provide a great opportunity to these initiatives more than any other part of country. If promoted well , Nagaland society can do wonder in these initiatives. So need of hour is to make policies promoting FPOs and Co-Operatives in horticulture sector and other such areas like animal rearing.
Such an initiative is definitely going to advance Nagaland on many fronts. Firstly, A large chunk of Nagaland ‘s population is still residing in villages. By promoting FPO’s and Co-Ops in villages , lots of employment opportunities will be created for youth and equally it will be ensured that growth is not centred around few centres of development and equally distributed in state. Secondly, by productive engagement of youth , growing problems of alcoholism and drugs can be tackled. Thirdly , state can develop its own brand name which holds its own value in market and generates more revenue to the farmers. And lastly if these initiatives succeeds well , state can have promotion of eco tourism in state which is again a source of employment and revenue for the state.
Time has come when state sets its priorities. Keeping in mind the poor economic development of state when compared to other states of country, its necessary that steps are taken which appreciate both weaknesses as well as strengths of state at same time and take Nagaland to path of equitable and sustainable growth.
(views expressed are personal)
