The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) – Young Professionals Roundtable 2026 hosted at its Medziphema Campus of the Nagaland University brought together policymakers, scientists, academicians and young professionals to discuss smart and sustainable agriculture while highlighting youth-led innovation and climate-resilient farming.
Medziphema, August 1: Nagaland University hosted the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) – Young Professionals Roundtable 2026 on July 31. Policymakers, scientists, academicians, researchers and students took part to discuss the future of smart and sustainable agriculture. The event, held at the University’s Medziphema Campus, focused on innovation, climate resilience and youth-led solutions for transforming India’s agricultural sector.
Platform for Youth-Driven Agricultural Transformation
The Department of Rural Development and Planning, Nagaland University, organised the programme in collaboration with the Social Development Forum (SDF), Assam, under the aegis of MY Bharat, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
The event revolved around the theme, “Enhancing Productivity through Smart and Sustainable Agriculture.” It attracted policymakers, administrators, scientists, academicians, research scholars, students and young professionals from across the region. The programme began with a VBYLD video and an audio-visual presentation highlighting the Prime Minister’s vision under the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue initiative.
Prof. Jayanta Choudhury Highlights Role of Youth and Technology
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, Head of the Department of Rural Development and Planning, said agriculture has evolved far beyond food production.
He described agriculture as a sector driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, climate resilience and rural prosperity. He also stressed that empowering young people with technology and creating greater opportunities for women would play a crucial role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Vice-Chancellor Calls for Technology-Driven Farming
In a recorded video message, Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik congratulated the organisers for selecting a nationally relevant theme.
He urged greater integration of artificial intelligence, drones, precision farming, digital agriculture and climate-smart practices with indigenous knowledge systems. He also encouraged young people to see agriculture as a field offering innovation, enterprise and leadership opportunities.
Experts Stress Research, Innovation and Sustainability
The inaugural session featured Prof. Dipak Sinha, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, as the Chief Guest.
He highlighted the importance of youth-led innovation, interdisciplinary research and institutional collaboration in addressing food security, sustainability and rural livelihood challenges.
Guest of Honour Dr. Girish Patil S., Director of ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, emphasised scientific research, sustainable livestock development and climate-resilient farming. He encouraged young researchers to develop practical solutions that enhance farmers’ income while protecting natural resources.
MY Bharat and District Administration Welcome Initiative
Representatives from MY Bharat and the district administration also addressed the gathering.
Kapuozo Kapuh explained the objectives of the Young Leaders Dialogue and highlighted its role in engaging youth in nation-building. Additional Deputy Commissioner James Swu appreciated the initiative for creating a platform where young people could contribute ideas for agricultural and rural transformation.
Shri Dhiren Handique, Director of Assam Gas Company and Adviser to the Social Development Forum, reaffirmed support for strengthening youth participation in development initiatives.
Expert Panel Discusses Future of Agriculture
An expert panel comprising leading scientists and academicians deliberated on emerging technologies, climate-smart agriculture, digital extension services, research priorities, entrepreneurship and sustainable farming systems for the North Eastern Region.
The discussion featured experts from agronomy, horticulture, agricultural research and extension institutions, reflecting the multidisciplinary approach required for agricultural transformation.
Students Present Innovative Solutions
One of the highlights of the programme was the Student Technical Session, where research scholars and postgraduate students presented ideas under three broad themes:
- Smart Farming Technologies for Tomorrow’s Agriculture
- Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Rural Start-ups
- Empowering Youth and Women for Agricultural Transformation
The presentations showcased innovative research and practical solutions aimed at addressing current agricultural challenges while promoting sustainable rural development.
Recommendations Focus on Viksit Bharat @2047
The programme concluded with the distribution of participation certificates and a summary of the recommendations emerging from the discussions.
Organisers identified youth-led innovation, women-centric agricultural development, digital transformation, entrepreneurship and climate-resilient farming as the key pillars for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The Department of Rural Development and Planning expressed gratitude to MY Bharat, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Social Development Forum, university authorities, experts and participants for contributing to the success of the event. Dr. Merensangla Longkumer delivered the formal vote of thanks.
