Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has laid out an ambitious plan to transform Nagaland’s agricultural sector into a significant player in global food supply chains. Speaking at the inauguration of the Administrative-cum-Academic Block and Farmers’ Fair at the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, CAU, Jalukie, Minister Chouhan emphasized leveraging scientific innovation, robust infrastructure, and international market access to uplift the state’s farming community.
In a significant boost to the region, the Union Minister announced a financial assistance package of ₹338.83 crore dedicated to the development of agriculture in Nagaland and the welfare of its farmers. This substantial investment will focus on strengthening crucial areas such as agricultural infrastructure development, research and development in agriculture, farmer training and capacity building, and optimizing agricultural supply chains. The ultimate goal is to ensure better returns for Nagaland farmers and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Chouhan stressed the urgent need to move beyond traditional subsistence farming in Nagaland. He envisioned an empowered agricultural ecosystem where the diverse crops of the state – including fruits, vegetables, grains, and flowers – not only cater to national demand but also gain prominence in international markets. He reaffirmed the central government’s unwavering commitment to realizing Nagaland’s immense agricultural potential through targeted and effective interventions.
Highlighting the pivotal role of scientific agriculture, Minister Chouhan emphasise that enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing farming input costs through cutting-edge agricultural research, farm mechanization, and improved rural infrastructure will be top priorities. “Agriculture must become a profitable venture for our farmers. Our focus will not only be on increasing crop yield but also on ensuring that every rupee invested yields better returns for the hardworking farmers of Nagaland,” he stated.
To achieve this, the minister proposed the formation of specialized grassroots-level teams. These dedicated teams, comprising local youth, university researchers, and experienced agricultural experts, will engage directly with farmers across all districts. Their mission will be to assess local agro-climatic conditions and provide tailored, crop-specific guidance based on crucial factors like soil quality, nutrient content, and specific regional agricultural requirements.
“These direct interactions will enable us to determine the precise levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) in the soil, allowing us to offer scientifically sound advice on the optimal use of fertilizers and pesticides. Our aim is to effectively bridge the gap between agricultural laboratories and the farmers’ fields,” Minister Chouhan elaborated.
The Union Minister urged the Nagaland state government to take ownership of this transformative campaign, assuring that the central government would establish a dedicated team specifically for Nagaland to ensure seamless implementation of the initiative. He passionately encouraged farmer participation, emphasizing that genuine and lasting change can only be achieved through strong collaboration between the government, agricultural researchers, and the cultivators themselves.
Describing his commitment, Chouhan stated, “This dedication to the welfare of farmers comes not from a place of authority, but from a place of deep devotion. Serving our farmers is akin to worshiping God.”
He reiterated the central government’s strong focus on establishing agricultural processing units, developing cold storage facilities, and improving market access for farmers, particularly for perishable agricultural commodities. He emphasized that these measures are critical to ensuring the long-term economic viability of agriculture for the farming communities in Nagaland.
In his address as the guest of honour, Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang raised critical concerns regarding the existing gaps in agricultural research infrastructure and higher agricultural education within the state.
Despite the fact that over 70% of Nagaland’s population is dependent on agriculture, Zeliang pointed out the stark reality that the School of Agricultural Sciences in Medziphema remains the sole agricultural college in the state. Furthermore, the College of Veterinary Sciences at Jalukie is the only constituent college under the Central Agricultural University (CAU)-Imphal.
“There is an urgent and pressing need for more educational institutions that are specifically aligned with our unique hilly topography and traditional farming systems, particularly jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation),” Zeliang emphasized.
He highlighted that approximately 80% of farmers in Nagaland still practice jhum cultivation. While often criticized for its perceived unsustainability, Zeliang passionately explained that for the Naga people, jhum transcends being merely an agricultural technique – it is deeply intertwined with their cultural identity.
“Jhum is essentially a natural farming system deeply rooted in agroforestry. It involves minimal soil disturbance (minimal tillage), avoids the use of synthetic chemical inputs, and maintains a high degree of ecological balance. This traditional practice plays a crucial role in preserving indigenous plant genetic resources and is guided by Indigenous Technological Knowledge (ITK) that has been tested and refined over generations within our communities,” Zeliang eloquently explained.
Deputy Chief Minister Zeliang presented four key appeals to the Union Minister for immediate consideration:
* Establishment of a Regional Research Centre on Natural Farming and Hill Agriculture: This center would specifically focus on enhancing and understanding shifting cultivation systems.
* Approval of the Proposed College of Natural Farming at Yisemyong, Mokokchung: This institution would be dedicated to promoting and researching sustainable natural farming practices.
* Creation of a College of Horticulture & Forestry and a College of Fishery: These colleges would aim to boost the allied agricultural sectors of horticulture, forestry, and fisheries in Nagaland.
* Sanction of Six New Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Nagaland’s Newly Created Districts: These KVKs would be crucial for improving the last-mile delivery of essential agricultural services and knowledge to farmers in the newer administrative regions.
Zeliang noted that the severe scarcity of relevant educational institutions has led to a growing sense of deprivation among the youth and farming communities, especially considering the vast untapped potential within Nagaland’s agriculture and allied sectors. “We urgently need region-specific agricultural research, accessible agricultural education, and effective capacity-building initiatives to truly unlock this potential,” he asserted.
Deputy Chief Minister Zeliang expressed his hopeful anticipation that the Union Minister’s visit would translate into concrete support and timely interventions. “Your presence here today gives us renewed hope that Nagaland’s long-standing aspirations for agricultural development will be heard with empathy and met with meaningful and impactful action,” he concluded.
Nagaland Governor La Ganesan also addressed the gathering, hailing the inauguration of the academic block as a significant milestone for agricultural education in Nagaland. He emphasized that the new facility must serve not only as a center for learning but also as a vital hub for community service, agricultural innovation, and transformative research.
“This institution must evolve into a center of excellence that actively contributes to rural sustainability. I urge the students to become the future custodians of agricultural progress and livestock health in our state,” the Governor stated.
He reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to advancing veterinary and agricultural education, recognizing the new infrastructure as a crucial catalyst for overall development in rural Nagaland.
Earlier in the program, CAU-Imphal Vice Chancellor Dr. Anupam Mishra delivered the welcome and keynote address, setting the stage for the important discussions that followed.
The event was graced by the presence of other dignitaries, including Minister Metsubo Jamir, Dr. I. Shakuntala (Dean of COVSC&AH, Jalukie), various university officials, and directors from central and state agricultural institutes and departments.
A significant number of farmers – 639 in total (231 males and 408 females) representing 29 different villages from Peren and Chümoukedima districts – actively participated in the event. Additionally, 84 officials from both state and central government bodies were in attendance.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof S. K. Borthakur of COVSC&AH, followed by the National Anthem. Minister Chouhan also visited the Farmer Fair and exhibition stalls, where a total of 12 stalls showcased various agricultural technologies, extension activities, and products spanning milk, meat, fish, fruits, crops, and achievements in livestock farming, agriculture, fisheries, and self-help groups. Importantly, Minister Chouhan also took the time to directly interact with the farmers of Nagaland, gaining valuable insights into their needs and aspirations.