Kohima, July 3 (IANS) Stressing the pivotal role of women in Nagaland’s rural economy, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen on Friday said the state’s next phase of agricultural and rural growth must be driven by innovation, technology and climate-smart solutions to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.

Inaugurating a one-day programme on “Women-Led Rural Enterprises for a Climate-Smart Nagaland”, the senior IAS officer stressed the need to equip women entrepreneurs with modern technology, clean energy solutions, financial inclusion and better market access to build resilient and sustainable rural enterprises.

Imchen said that women have long been the backbone and key stakeholders of Nagaland’s rural economy and that the next phase of development must be driven by innovation, technology and climate-smart solutions.

The event was organised by an organisation in collaboration with the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) to promote climate-smart and energy-efficient technologies among Self-Help Group (SHG) members and rural entrepreneurs across the state.

Highlighting the achievements of the NSRLM, the Chief Secretary noted that over 1.17 lakh rural households have been mobilised into 15,445 SHGs across 1,231 villages in all 17 districts.

While acknowledging the success of the SHG movement, he said many women entrepreneurs still face challenges in accessing technology, finance and markets.

The Chief Secretary also pointed to the growing impact of climate change on agriculture, including erratic rainfall patterns, disrupted cropping cycles and declining productivity, and stressed that the issue can no longer be ignored.

Emphasising the need for urgent action, he called for greater adoption of renewable energy, climate-smart technologies and low-carbon solutions to build resilient and sustainable rural livelihoods.

The top official further emphasised the importance of financial institutions in supporting rural enterprises and encouraged SHGs and women entrepreneurs to make full use of the opportunities offered through the programme to strengthen their livelihoods and enterprises.

On the occasion, a total of 19 exhibition stalls showcased innovative technologies, financial solutions and products developed by Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The event aimed to provide a common platform for stakeholders to explore innovative climate-smart technologies and enterprise solutions that could strengthen women-led rural livelihoods.

The programme featured a Technology Mela showcasing climate-smart technologies, live demonstrations by solution providers, orientation sessions for SHG members and rural entrepreneurs, and dedicated sessions on financing opportunities.

A panel discussion on “Voices from the Field – Inspiring Stories of Women Entrepreneurs in Self-Help Groups” was also held, featuring women entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and entrepreneurial journeys.

–IANS

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