Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Dharmvir Jha, the statistical adviser for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), met with Nagaland state officials in Kohima on Thursday to review federally funded projects. The session included representatives from the Department of Planning and Transformation, Land Resources Development, the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), and the Roads and Bridges department.
During the review, Jha praised the work of IDAN and encouraged the team to finalize existing agreements with investors quickly. He also instructed the Roads and Bridges department to utilize remaining funds to accelerate construction on projects under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme. Regarding project management, Jha emphasized that all state proposals must receive formal concurrence from the Planning Department and instructed the Development Commissioner to oversee each submission from start to finish.
Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Kikheto Sema highlighted the success of state coffee plantations, noting that support from the Ministry of DoNER helped expand the industry across 17 districts. He pointed to the global potential of Nagaland coffee to increase farmer income and create jobs. Additionally, Sema proposed a new initiative for agar wood plantations, noting that the Forest Department has drafted a policy awaiting approval. Jha requested a formal proposal from the state, promising that the ministry would examine its viability.
Sema credited the state's recent progress to two decades of stability under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio. He noted that while traditional jhum cultivation remains important, shifting toward coffee and agar wood sectors offers significant economic benefits for the region.
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