Nagaland steps up global ties in farming, jobs
Nagaland is strengthening its engagement with international partners to boost economic opportunities, farmer incomes and youth employment, as the state moves to align its traditional strengths with global best practices. Recent developments in horticulture and skill development reflect a broader push by the government to position Nagaland as a competitive player in specialised agriculture and international workforce mobility.
Nagaland inks MoU to send skilled youth to Germany: In a parallel effort to expand global employment opportunities, the Government of Nagaland has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Jobs-in-Germany GmbH to enable overseas placement of skilled youth. The MoU was signed on December 15 at NTTC, Dimapur, by director of Industries & Commerce and CEO, NTTC, P. Tokugha Sema, and Jobs-in-Germany GmbH co-owner and managing director Ralf Kratschmer, in the presence of senior officials.
The partnership aims to align NTTC training programmes with German and international industry standards under Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act. It includes German language training (A1, A2, and B1 levels), cultural orientation, faculty training, curriculum support and direct linkage of NTTC-trained candidates with German employers.
As part of the first phase, 22 candidates have been selected for a seven-month training programme beginning January 12, 2026. Officials described the initiative as a first-of-its-kind government-led international workforce mobility programme in India, positioning Nagaland as a pioneer in creating structured overseas employment pathways while strengthening bilateral cooperation with German states, including Bavaria.
Nagaland looks to New Zealand to upgrade kiwi sector: Nagaland’s growing kiwi sector received a significant boost following the visit of a New Zealand delegation, opening avenues for cooperation with the world’s leading kiwi-producing nation.
State chief minister Neiphiu Rio, while welcoming the delegation, highlighted Nagaland’s favourable agro-climatic conditions and stressed the need to learn from New Zealand’s advanced farming, orchard management and marketing systems.
Although Nagaland is among the leading kiwi-producing states in India, officials acknowledged that inconsistent yields, lack of scientific practices and poor post-harvest infrastructure continue to limit farmer incomes. Discussions with the delegation focused on adopting modern techniques such as proper pruning, pollination management, disease control and improved varieties, along with training programmes and demonstration orchards.
Post-harvest challenges, including absence of cold storage, grading and packing facilities, were identified as major constraints. New Zealand’s expertise in these areas, along with value addition through processing units for dried kiwi and juice, was seen as crucial for reducing losses and stabilising prices. The state is also exploring branding options such as a common identity for Nagaland-grown kiwi to access premium domestic and regional markets, while promoting climate-resilient and sustainable hill farming practices.
