Guwahati, July 22: Nagaland University has opened a new international pathway for its agriculture students by signing agreements with two Japanese agricultural firms to launch year-long internships aimed at providing hands-on training in advanced farming technologies and global work practices.
The university on Wednesday signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Kumugai Farm Co. Ltd. in Tokushima Prefecture and Hagumi Farm Co. Ltd. in Kochi Prefecture during the Nagaland–Japan Connect signing ceremony at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema.
The partnership will enable students from the Department of Vocational Studies and Skill Development to undergo 12-month internships in Japan, where they will receive practical training in modern farming techniques while gaining exposure to Japanese work culture, precision agriculture and professional standards. The internships will carry academic credits as part of the university’s curriculum.
Calling the initiative a major step in internationalising agricultural education, Dean of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Prof. Pauline Alila, said the collaboration would create opportunities for technology transfer, skill development and cultural exchange.
Representatives of the Japanese firms said the partnership was intended to go beyond internships. Takeo Kumagai, Representative Director of Kumugai Farm, said the collaboration could eventually expand into research, technology transfer, industry cooperation and employment opportunities for Nagaland’s youth.
Yamamoto Seiya, Representative Director of Hagumi Farm, said the programme would combine Japan’s strengths in precision and sustainable agriculture with Nagaland’s potential to build a long-term partnership that benefits both regions.
Nagaland University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dipak Sinha, described the agreement as an important milestone and expressed hope that it would pave the way for joint research projects and online learning programmes on advanced agricultural technologies.
Officials from the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) and the Government of Nagaland also attended the signing ceremony, highlighting the growing cooperation between Nagaland and Japan in agriculture and skill development.
Under the agreement, Nagaland University will oversee student selection, academic credit recognition and internship evaluation, while the Japanese partner farms will provide practical training in advanced agricultural practices.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the university’s international collaborations while equipping students with industry-ready skills and improving their prospects for global careers in agriculture.
