The recent completion workshop for the Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming System in the Northeast (FOCUS), Nagaland project, held on June 3, 2025, at the De Oriental Grand Hotel, Kohima, marked a pivotal moment for agriculture in Nagaland. This gathering celebrated not just the end of a project, but the dawn of a new era of agricultural prosperity and resilience for thousands of farming households across the state.
Addressing the attendees, Wezope Kenye, APC & Mission Director of FOCUS, eloquently articulated the profound significance of the project’s successful completion. He underscored it as a remarkable milestone in strengthening farming systems and substantially boosting agricultural income throughout Nagaland. Kenye’s emphasis on shared vision, unwavering collaboration, and collective determination among all stakeholders resonated deeply, highlighting the spirit that propelled this ambitious initiative forward.
A New Dawn for Nagaland’s Farmer FOCUS project holds a unique distinction as Nagaland’s inaugural Externally Aided Project (EAP) in the agriculture sector, forged through a vital partnership with IFAD. This pioneering collaboration recognizes the fundamental truth that agriculture is not merely a livelihood but a powerful engine for economic progress and rural development, especially in a state where over 70% of the population depends on farming.
unforeseen hurdles, primarily the disruptions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated an extension beyond its initial March 31, 2024, conclusion. Yet, despite these challenges, the FOCUS project achieved remarkable reach. It successfully impacted 645 villages across 9 districts, directly benefiting an astounding 1,18,000 households, thereby reaching nearly 89% of its ambitious target group
This initiative truly played a transformative role. It significantly improved market access for farmers, spearheaded the creation of vital agricultural infrastructure, and profoundly enhanced rural livelihoods. Strategic investments in essential market access facilities, community seed banks, and even refrigerated vans were made, establishing a robust framework for long-term support for Nagaland’s dedicated farming communities. These tangible improvements are set to empower farmers for years to come.
Ramnikant Kumar, State Project Director of FOCUS, added another layer of insight during the workshop, framing the event as more than just a conclusion. For him, it symbolized years of unwavering collaboration and steadfast dedication aimed at fundamentally transforming upland farming systems in Nagaland. He proudly reported that the project reached an impressive 86% (1,02,245 households) of its target group, with a keen focus on Improved Jhum practices, value chain development, and enhanced market access.
Beyond direct benefits, the FOCUS project also made significant contributions to knowledge-building. This included the development of crucial technical materials, streamlined procurement guidelines, detailed land resource inventory maps, and insightful sectoral assessments. These resources are invaluable assets that will continue to guide future agricultural development in the region.
Kumar concluded by encouraging all stakeholders to view the workshop not as an end, but as a dynamic platform for continued learning and future development. His powerful message emphasized the lasting impact of the project in empowering farming communities, a legacy that promises to foster sustained growth and resilience in Nagaland’s agricultural landscape for generations to come.
The success of the FOCUS Nagaland project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, collaboration, and dedication converge. It lays a strong foundation for a more prosperous and sustainable future for Nagaland’s farming communities, truly marking a new chapter in the state’s agricultural journey.
The FOCUS Nagaland project stands as a shining example of how strategic vision, collaborative effort, and unwavering dedication can truly transform communities. It’s more than just a completed initiative; it’s a testament to the power of empowering local farmers, strengthening agricultural systems, and building resilience against future challenges. The ripple effect of this project, from improved market access and vital infrastructure to enhanced rural livelihoods and knowledge dissemination, will undoubtedly continue to shape a brighter, more prosperous future for Nagaland’s farming households. The “A New Dawn for Nagaland Farmers FOCUS project” has not only achieved its goals but has also laid a robust foundation for sustained growth and development in the state’s vital agricultural sector.