Experts call for conservation of indigenous rice varieties and climate-resilient practices
The North East Festival of Rice – Grains of Heritage was inaugurated today at the Exposition Hall, Agri Expo, Chumoukedima. Funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong, the festival was organized by INTACH Nagaland Chapter in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Nagaland, NEZCC, ICAR Research Complexes, and other research and academic institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor for Agriculture, Nagaland, called the festival a “visionary and historic initiative” and highlighted the cultural and economic importance of rice in the Northeast.
Yanthan noted that Nagaland alone has over 200 indigenous rice landraces, many at risk of degeneration. He urged researchers and stakeholders to focus on conservation and scientific advancement, while also developing climate-resilient, short-duration rice varieties to improve productivity.
He emphasized the impact of climate change on agriculture, citing erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, and pest outbreaks, and called for practical solutions to protect farmers and rural economies.
The Advisor also mentioned that the state has framed a new Agriculture Policy 2026, approved by the Cabinet, and expressed hope that recommendations from the festival would guide its effective implementation. He encouraged students and youth to engage with seeds, soil, and farming as living knowledge to prepare future custodians of the land.
Other speakers included Sentila T Yanger, Padmashree and State Convenor of INTACH Nagaland Chapter; Dr Sandeep Ghatak, Director, ICAR Umiam; Dr AK Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Umiam; Sanuzo Nuinei, Director, Department of Agriculture, Nagaland; and Dr Prashanna Gogoi, Director, NEZCC. They emphasized sustainable farming, research support, and promotion of traditional grains.
