Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, connectivity, and youth empowerment while addressing the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong on June 4, 2026. He reaffirmed Nagaland’s commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Northeast, stressing that collaboration among states is vital to realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Nagaland.

Yadav stressing agriculture as the backbone of Nagaland’s economy, noting that over 70 percent of the population depends on farming and allied activities. He emphasized strengthening value chains, certification systems, and market access for the state’s organic products such as pineapple, cucumber, persimmon, Naga King Chilli, coffee, and agarwood, while advocating for blending modern technology with traditional practices.

On infrastructure, the Governor called for expediting the proposed airport at Ciethu and additional airstrips at Mokokchung, Tuensang, and Mon. He also pressed for the development of the Foothill Road and railway projects, which he said would unlock industrial, mineral, and agricultural potential across the state.

Expressing concern over the lack of premier educational institutions in Nagaland, Yadav urged the establishment of national or regional centers of learning. He pointed to entrepreneurship, innovation, and skill development as key pathways for youth empowerment, citing the state’s first Drone School and Centre of Excellence under the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission as milestones in creating new opportunities.

The Governor noted that Mokokchung, Kohima, and Dimapur districts rank among the top ten performers in the North Eastern Region District SDG Index 2.0, reflecting progress in inclusive growth and governance. He also called for scientific mineral exploration, sustainable resource development, and renewable energy initiatives, including the Nagaland Solar Mission, which aims to meet 15 percent of the state’s energy needs through rooftop solar systems.

Yadav further emphasized sports, culture, and tourism as drivers of socio-economic growth, underlining Nagaland’s growing profile in hosting events and promoting cultural tourism through initiatives like the Hornbill Festival. He stressed that last-mile connectivity, eco-sensitive infrastructure, and digital promotion are essential to unlocking tourism potential.

Advocating for a stronger NEC, the Governor called for enhanced powers, greater funding, and equitable resource distribution among all eight Northeastern states to bridge developmental gaps. He concluded by reaffirming Nagaland’s guiding principle of “Peace for Development and Development for Peace,” envisioning a peaceful, progressive, and self-reliant Nagaland by 2047.