Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday announced that Nagaland would be declared plastic free by November this year.
Notably, Nagaland is all set to become totally Open Defecation Free (ODF) in August.
Speaking at the inaugural function of Made in Nagaland Centre, near New Secretariat in Kohima on Wednesday, Rio said the State Government would support small entrepreneurs in making bags from bamboo, jute, paper, etc.
He also added that Nagaland would soon be declared an organic state and called for increasing organic produce output.
The Chief Minister also asked the board members of Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) to organize tours across the country and abroad to rope in investments into the State for boosting its economy.
The Chief Minister also encouraged the people of the State to give gifts that were made in Nagaland to guests who visit the State.
Commenting that Nagas were people with great pride and self-esteem, Rio, however, added that it was such a disgrace to find Nagaland rated as the third dirtiest State in the country, even though Hornbill Festival was rated as one of the best festivals in the country.
Rio said more than 11 per cent of Nagaland’s population was employed by the State government, which, according to him, was the highest population-to-government employee ratio in the country.
He said to achieve self-sufficiency, the youth should strive to become entrepreneurs and live a dignified life
Meanwhile, more than 120 entrepreneurs displayed their products at the Made in Nagaland centre, which comprised handicrafts, handloom textiles, sculptures, accessories, etc.
The Centre is a platform to promote talented people of the State to showcase and put up their products for sale at the centre without any charges.