WOKHA, JUNE 16 (MExN): In a bid to boost agricultural income and regional development in Nagaland, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on June 16 launched a Vision Document titled “Income Generation from Banana Cultivation in Wokha District” during his official visit to the district.
Dr. Singh was accompanied by the four elected legislators from Wokha district—Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton, Advisor Mhathung Yanthan, MLA Y.M. Humtsoe, and MLA Achumbemo Kikon—at the event held in the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Wokha.
Speaking at a public gathering, the Union Minister acknowledged the developmental disparities between the Northeast and other regions of India, while emphasizing that the Northeast has witnessed “transformative changes” in the past decade. He highlighted increased industrial engagement and job creation in the region, noting that “new opportunities have emerged for youth through increased private sector interest.”
Touching on inter-state concerns, Dr. Singh said the Centre is actively working to resolve the Nagaland-Assam border dispute using “advanced space technology and satellite imaging” for a long-term and peaceful settlement.
He also flagged the issue of drug abuse in the region, urging civil society organisations in Wokha to emulate the example set by Mizoram, where local bodies have taken a leading role in curbing the menace. “Civil bodies in Wokha must strengthen community-based interventions,” he said.
Addressing environmental and wildlife-related issues, Dr. Singh acknowledged the rising human-elephant conflict in the district and assured that a central-level meeting would be convened soon to explore viable and long-term solutions.
The Minister encouraged farmers in Wokha to explore cultivation of different varieties of bananas. He pointed out that Wokha has already identified banana as its “One District One Product” (ODOP), and added, “Tapping into the potential of banana farming could significantly raise household incomes and contribute to local economic growth.”
He expressed concern over the lack of technological support for development in the region and stressed the need for a broader socio-economic transformation. The Minister said the purpose of his visit was to “identify challenges firsthand—from healthcare and education to connectivity and infrastructure—and ensure that they are addressed through timely interventions and central assistance.”
