Mokokchung groups train youth in agricultural business

Kohima: The Mokokchung Ao Officers Telungjem and the ABAM Youth Ministry teamed up to run a two-day seminar titled Youth Empowerment through Agriculture and Leadership. They met September 22 and 23 at the State Agricultural Research Station in Yimsemyong. The event drew 46 youths from churches and institutions linked to ABAM.

MAOT general secretary Yashikala Jamir kicked off the sessions. She spoke on how farm work connects to building a stronger, self-reliant future. The group wants young people to lead their own businesses. MAOT president I. Lipokonen Jamir echoed this sentiment, pushing attendees to look past the few government jobs available in the state. He urged them to look at the local market demand instead, saying, "Grow Skills, Grow Enterprise, Grow Leaders."

Seventeen experts led the training. They pulled knowledge from the departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Veterinary, along with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, DRDA, and the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission. Participants learned about beekeeping, oyster mushroom growing, composting, and poultry management. They also studied kitchen gardening, tree nurseries, and business planning.

Success stories grounded the theory. Local farmers detailed their paths through trial and error to build lasting businesses. MAOT vice-president Er. Chubatoshi closed the event by telling the participants to find their own passions. He warned them to stay focused and ignore outside distractions. The program aims to turn farming into a real career path for community development.