A long-term scale-up proposal to drive sustainable economic development across five Northeastern states — with a target of 300,000 farmers, artisans, and micro-enterprises reached within three years.
Driving Sustainable Growth in Northeast India: A Holistic Development Plan for UNDP
Northeast India’s distinctive geographic, cultural, and economic landscape has made it a focal point for targeted sustainable development.
Commissioned by UNDP, this initiative began with a comprehensive study of the region’s social and economic ecosystem — examining entrepreneurial behaviour, community social engagement, and economic opportunities across agriculture, handicrafts, and micro-enterprises — alongside direct consultations with local stakeholders, government representatives, and community leaders.
The result is a long-term scale-up proposal designed to drive sustainable economic development across five Northeastern states.
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The proposal centres on three interconnected priorities:
Empowering over 300,000 farmers, artisans, and micro-enterprises through tailored training and market access support;
Strengthening small businesses through mentorship and resource allocation to build a more resilient local economy;
and ensuring inclusive growth by deliberately integrating women and indigenous communities into economic participation.
The plan is explicitly designed for both near-term impact and long-term sustainability, with Northeast India positioned as a replicable model for community-centred, culturally grounded development aligned with UNDP’s inclusive growth mandate.