Nagaland has launched a major project worth Rs 574.63 crore to introduce low-energy and climate-friendly technologies in its hill districts. The project, called the ELEMENT Project, will run for five years and will cover 225 villages across 16 districts of the state. Officials say the aim is to create a model of sustainable development for remote and rural areas that depend heavily on agriculture and natural resources.
The state government has selected the Centre for Excellence for Renewable Energy Studies (CERES) as the technical partner for the project. CERES will lead research, design and development of technologies that are suitable for the hill ecosystems found across Nagaland. The partnership has been planned for 18 months in the initial phase, but it may be extended based on performance.
Under this partnership, CERES will work on several technologies such as zero-energy cold storage systems, hybrid dryers, micro-hydro units, waste-management systems and low-energy agricultural tools. These solutions are expected to reduce dependence on expensive conventional electricity and help farmers and rural households.
Officials explained that many remote villages face challenges such as crop loss after harvest, low income for farmers and the growing impact of climate change. Technologies developed under the project are expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve the value of agricultural produce and help build stronger rural value chains. By saving energy, villagers may also reduce their costs and increase earnings.
A key goal of the project is to strengthen CERES itself as a state-owned research and development hub. The initiative will support fabrication units, skills training centres and enterprise incubation spaces. Officials said this will allow local youth, self-help groups and village institutions to receive hands-on training. They will learn how to operate, maintain and repair the machines and technologies introduced under the project.
Project planners said that all technologies will be tested on a pilot basis before they are expanded. Each intervention will undergo scientific validation to ensure safety, reliability and suitability for local conditions. Community institutions and local entrepreneurs will be involved in the rollout so that the handling and management stays with the people.
The project will follow the World Bank’s environmental and social safeguard standards, ensuring that activities are carried out responsibly. Officials hope that this will help build trust at the community level, encourage the use of local knowledge and promote innovation.
Government officials said the intention is to build confidence among rural communities and demonstrate that low-energy, locally designed technologies can work even in difficult hill terrain. They believe the ELEMENT Project can make Nagaland a frontrunner in climate-smart and people-centred development in the Northeast.
