Nagaland aims for business-oriented farming to boost farmers’ income
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, who celebrated his 75th birthday, 50 years of marriage, and 50 years of public service in 2025, reviewed Nagaland’s flagship ‘One Crop One Village’ initiative during the DPDB meeting at Tuophema Village, emphasizing sustainable, business-oriented farming to increase farmers’ incomes.
The Agriculture Department highlighted crops with strong market potential, including ginger, potato, red rice, king chilli, maize, millet, garlic, rice bean, and Job’s tears. Kezoma village’s Millet Festival was cited as a successful example of cluster-based farming.
The Horticulture Department outlined crop suitability across the district: kiwi and persimmon for western and southern areas, citrus for the northern belt, and oranges for Kohima Sadar. The Board was informed that the initiative was first piloted in Khonoma, with promising prospects for expanding kiwi cultivation. Ongoing schemes under MIDH and Pradhan Mantri Krishi programmes continue to support farmers in adopting measures to mitigate climate variability.
Members also discussed decentralizing DPDB meetings to alternative locations across the district to enable closer interaction with villagers, on-site departmental reviews, and strengthened grievance redressal.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Rio welcomed members to his native village and reflected on Tuophema’s history, including his ancestors’ migration from Chiechama and the contributions of early settlers recognised as World War II veterans.
He praised the progress of cluster farming, noting that commercial viability improves when villages grow selected crops collectively.
The Chief Minister encouraged the promotion of avocado and persimmon, noting that 12,000 avocado saplings had already been distributed, and urged expansion of coffee cultivation, particularly in northern areas where Nagaland’s coffee is gaining demand for its aroma, flavor, and organic quality.
Dr Rio also urged officers and departments to work closely with farmers, understand their interests and land, and fully utilise Nagaland’s fertile soil to implement government initiatives effectively.
