Nagaland leaders call for shift toward entrepreneurship and skill development

Leaders and academics in Nagaland are calling for a fundamental shift in the state’s approach to human capital, moving from a focus on academic degrees to the development of practical skills and entrepreneurship.

At the 3rd Nagaland Economic Association (NEA) conference, Minister Temjen Imna Along emphasized that literacy and infrastructure alone cannot ensure sustainable development. He noted a paradox where Nagaland remains one of India’s most literate states yet faces high unemployment, urging youth to become opportunity creators rather than just degree holders.

Professor Zuchamo Yanthan echoed these sentiments, stating that the state’s greatest resource is its educated youth. He argued that educational institutions and policymakers must nurture individuals capable of solving problems and building enterprises to bridge the gap between educational attainment and available employment.

In a separate address at the Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland (WENN) Bazaar, Agriculture Advisor Mhathung Yanthan urged Naga youth and women to embrace value addition in agriculture. He highlighted the potential of indigenous products like Naga king chilli and various horticultural crops, noting that economic growth depends on processing, branding, and digital marketing rather than just raw production.