Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Thursday outlined a comprehensive roadmap for transforming the agricultural landscape of Nagaland by leveraging scientific innovations, robust infrastructure, and global market access.
The minister also announced a financial assistance package of Rs. 338.83 crore for development of agriculture sector and the welfare of farmers in Nagaland. The assistance is aimed to strengthen key areas such as infrastructure development, research, training, capacity building, and improving supply chains to ensure that farmers in the state reap better returns and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the Administrative-cum-Academic Block and Farmers’ Fair at the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Jalukie, Chouhan emphasized the need to move beyond subsistence agriculture and empower farmers through scientific knowledge and structured support systems.
“We can create an ecosystem where Nagaland’s crops—fruits, vegetables, grains, and flowers—are not only consumed across India but also find their way into international markets,” Chouhan asserted. He stressed that the government was committed to helping the state realize its agricultural potential through targeted interventions.
Highlighting the importance of scientific approaches in agriculture, Chouhan stated that enhancing productivity and reducing input costs through research, mechanization, and improved infrastructure would be among the top priorities. “Agriculture must become a profitable venture. We will not only focus on increasing yield but also on ensuring that every rupee spent brings better returns to the farmers,” he said.
The minister proposed the formation of specialized teams to work at the grassroots level. These teams, comprising local youth, university researchers, and agricultural experts, would travel district to district, conduct farmer interactions, assess agro-climatic conditions, and offer crop-specific guidance based on soil quality, nutrient content, and regional requirements.
“These interactions will help determine nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels in the soil and offer scientifically sound advice on fertilizer and pesticide use. The idea is to bridge the gap between labs and land,” he added.
Chouhan also appealed to the state government to take ownership of the proposed campaign and assured that the Centre would create a dedicated team for Nagaland to implement the initiative. He encouraged farmers to actively participate, stating that real change could only come from collaboration between the government, researchers, and cultivators.
Describing his mission as a public servant, Chouhan added, “This commitment does not come from a place of arrogance but as a devotion. Serving farmers is akin to worshiping God.”
He reiterated the Centre’s focus on processing units, cold storage facilities, and better market access, especially for perishable commodities, noting that these measures were critical to ensuring economic viability for farmers.
Delivering his address as the guest of honour, deputy chief minister T.R. Zeliang raised pressing concerns over the lack of agricultural research and higher education infrastructure in the state.
Despite more than 70% of Nagaland’s population depending on agriculture, Zeliang pointed out that the School of Agricultural Sciences in Medziphema remains the only agricultural college in the state, with the College of Veterinary Sciences at Jalukie being the sole constituent college under CAU-Imphal.
“There is an urgent need for educational institutions that align with our unique topography and traditional farming systems, especially jhum cultivation,” Zeliang stated.
He emphasized that around 80% of farmers in Nagaland still practice jhum (shifting) cultivation. While often criticized for being unsustainable, Zeliang underscored that for the Nagas, jhum represents more than just an agricultural technique—it is a cultural identity.
“Jhum is a natural farming system rooted in agroforestry, with minimal tillage, no synthetic chemical inputs, and a high degree of ecological balance. It preserves indigenous plant genetic resources and is guided by Indigenous Technological Knowledge (ITK) that is both time-tested and community-driven,” Zeliang remarked.
Zeliang submitted four key appeals to the Central minister for immediate consideration. They include Establishment of a Regional Research Centre on Natural Farming and Hill Agriculture focusing on shifting cultivation systems; approval of the proposed College of Natural Farming at Yisemyong, Mokokchung; Creation of a College of Horticulture & Forestry and a College of Fishery to boost agri-allied sectors and sanction of six new Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Nagaland’s newly created districts to improve last-mile delivery of agricultural services.
He noted that the acute scarcity of institutions has led to a growing sense of deprivation among youth and farmers, particularly given the vast untapped potential in agriculture and allied sectors. “We need region-specific research, education, and capacity-building initiatives to unlock this potential,” he said.
Zeliang expressed hope that the minister’s visit would translate into concrete support and timely interventions. “Your presence here gives us hope that Nagaland’s long-standing aspirations will be heard with empathy and met with meaningful action,” he concluded.
Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, who also addressed the gathering, hailed the inauguration of the academic block as a milestone for agricultural education in the state. He said the facility must serve not just as a centre for education, but also as a hub for community service, innovation, and transformative research.
“This institution must evolve as a centre of excellence that contributes to rural sustainability. I urge students to become custodians of agricultural progress and livestock health,” the Governor stated.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to veterinary and agricultural education, calling the new infrastructure a catalyst for development in rural Nagaland.
Earlier, CAU-Imphal vice chancellor Dr. Anupam Mishra delivered the welcome and keynote address.
Other dignitaries who attended the event included minister Metsubo Jamir, Dr. I. Shakuntala, dean of COVSC&AH, Jalukie, university official and directors of various central/state institutes and departments.
This event was also attended by 639 farmers (231 males & 408 females) from 29 different villages of Peren and Chümoukedima districts, 84 officials from state and central government.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Prof S. K. Borthakur of COVSC&AH followed by National anthem. Chouhan also visited Farmer Fair and exhibition stalls where a total of 12 stalls exhibited their technologies, extension activities, products of milk, meat & fish, fruits, crops, and achievements from livestock farming, agriculture, fisheries, including self-help groups. Chouhan also interacted with farmers of the state of Nagaland.