KOHIMA : Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen on Friday said climate change is disrupting the state’s traditional agricultural calendar, making it imperative to adopt climate-smart technologies and renewable energy to secure rural livelihoods.

Addressing the inauguration of the ‘Women-led enterprises for a climate-smart Nagaland’ trade facilitation fair here, Imchen said erratic rainfall has significantly altered the state’s farming cycle.

He noted that sowing, which traditionally began in early April, is now being delayed until June, often resulting in crop losses due to inadequate rainfall.

Calling for an urgent transition to a low-carbon economy, he stressed that renewable energy — particularly solar power — must become an integral part of rural enterprises to help communities adapt to changing climatic conditions while improving productivity and incomes.

Imchen also said that although the self-help group (SHG) movement has empowered thousands of rural women, many entrepreneurs continue to face challenges in accessing modern technology, institutional finance, markets, and business support.

“It is a collective governance and societal responsibility to build an enabling ecosystem capable of translating local skills and resources into viable, self-sustaining businesses,” he said.

The fair, organised by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) in partnership with the SELCO Foundation, showcases 19 exhibition stalls featuring clean-energy technologies and financing solutions for sectors such as weaving, horticulture, piggery, bamboo, and food processing.

Imchen said decentralised solar-powered equipment, including dryers, grinders, and cold storage units, can help reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality, lower production costs, and generate employment in rural areas. (Source: PTI)