Nand Kishore Yadav urges Nagaland's cooperative sector to embrace technology, youth participation and women-led enterprises.
Minister Zhimomi says cooperatives key to community empowerment
DIMAPUR — Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Friday called for a future-ready cooperative sector in Nagaland by embracing technology, encouraging youth participation, empowering women-led enterprises and investing in skill development to build professionally managed and market-oriented cooperatives.
Addressing the celebration of COOPS Day and Cooperative Week, commemorating five years of the Ministry of Cooperation, at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, the Governor said the cooperative movement embodies the spirit of self-help, mutual support and collective action and has played a transformative role in promoting inclusive growth and community empowerment.
Yadav said the occasion marked both the International Day of Cooperatives 2026 and the fifth anniversary of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, stated a press release issued by Lok Bhavan, Kohima.
Under the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation), he said, the Ministry has launched major initiatives, including White Revolution 2.0, strengthening cooperative banking, promoting the blue economy and investing in cooperative education and leadership development, positioning cooperatives as key drivers of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Highlighting Nagaland’s potential, he said the state offers vast opportunities in dairy, fisheries, piggery, handloom and handicrafts, and organic agriculture.
The governor acknowledged the role of the Nagaland State Cooperative Bank, the State Dairy Cooperative Federation and other cooperative bodies in strengthening value chains and expanding market access for farmers and producers.
Yadav urged all stakeholders to work collectively towards building a prosperous, vibrant and self-reliant Nagaland through the enduring spirit of cooperation.
Minister for PHED and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, said the cooperative sector has been playing a significant role in grassroots economic development and community empowerment.
He said the sector received renewed impetus in 2021 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, becoming a key pillar of the vision for Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Zhimomi said the Centre has undertaken major reforms to strengthen MSMEs, small-scale and cottage industries, helping accelerate economic growth and improve India’s global standing.
Stressing that economic self-reliance is essential for national strength, he said the Prime Minister’s “Vocal for Local” initiative is paving the way towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
On Nagaland, the minister said the cooperative sector would play a pivotal role in the state’s economic development.
Zhimomi highlighted efforts to promote digital transactions for greater transparency and accountability and said direct market access for farmers would eliminate unnecessary intermediaries and ensure better returns for all stakeholders.
He said the Government of India has encouraged states to strengthen cooperative values and institutions, and assured that Nagaland would continue advancing the cooperative movement with support from the Centre.
The minister also informed that week-long celebrations are being organised across the state, including awareness programmes, cleanliness drives, plantation activities and events in schools and colleges to promote cooperative values among the younger generation.
Efforts are also underway to develop market-oriented cooperative models with support from experts and professionals.
Secretary for Cooperation, Orenthung Lotha, in his keynote address, said the Ministry of Cooperation was established on July 6, 2021, to realise the vision of “Prosperity through Cooperation.”
He said the Ministry, under Union Minister Amit Shah, has introduced 61 landmark initiatives to strengthen and modernise the cooperative sector.
Lotha said the cooperative movement in Nagaland has reached a critical stage where innovation and institutional strengthening must progress together.
He stressed the importance of digital transformation to improve transparency, efficiency, financial inclusion and service delivery.
While agriculture and cooperative credit remain the foundation of the movement, he said the state is expanding cooperative activities into fisheries, livestock, poultry, handloom and other allied sectors.
The department, Lotha added, is simplifying procedures and adopting citizen-friendly measures to improve service delivery.
Highlighting achievements, he said 231 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across Nagaland have been computerised, enabling better operations, transparency and member services. He described the initiative as a major milestone in strengthening the cooperative credit structure and promoting financial inclusion.
He also said a comprehensive State Cooperative Policy is being formulated to provide a roadmap for effective implementation of programmes and projects, ensuring cooperative development remains inclusive, sustainable and people-centred.
Earlier, the governor virtually inaugurated four model cooperative society offices: Thenumia Kehou Multipurpose PACS Ltd. at Vidima village, Chümoukedima; Shurho Multipurpose PACS Ltd. at Kigwema village, Kohima; Chedema Multipurpose PACS Ltd. at Chedema village, Kohima; and Punglwa B Village Women Livelihood and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd. at Punglwa B village, Peren.
Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) Bendang Longkumer delivered the welcome address.
A video presentation highlighting the department’s achievements over the past five years was also screened.
The programme featured experience-sharing sessions by successful rural cooperative members from Mokokchung and Noklak districts.