A State-level workshop on the Nagaland Food & Feed LINK (N2FL) initiative was held on 23rd May 2025 at Japfü Hotel, Kohima on the theme “Leveraging Information, Networks and Knowledge: Decoding Food and Feed Value Chains and DRE Integration for Nagaland,” the workshop focused on advancing agriculture and livestock through clean energy innovations.
Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, addressing the gathering, described the event as “a gathering of minds and hearts united by a common vision to harness the full potential of Nagaland’s agriculture and livestock sector through clean energy innovations.” He noted that agriculture in Nagaland is undergoing a paradigm shift, evolving from subsistence to a driver of economic growth. The state, he said, is working towards transforming from a consumer-based economy to a production-oriented one capable of ensuring food sovereignty.
He added, “The agenda before us is indeed bold and timely, to position clean energy not merely as a support system, but as a strategic enabler of agricultural transformation.” Stressing the sector’s importance, he noted that agriculture still engages nearly 70% of Nagaland’s population directly or indirectly.
Highlighting specific interventions, Mhathung called for investment in piggery development to address food self-sufficiency, employment, and rural livelihoods. “Our farmers already grow, or can grow, several crops ideal for feed. These include Tapioca, collocasia… and Maize,” he stated. He emphasized the potential of using underutilized crop residues and by-products, adding, “Soybean—known for its high protein content, Mustard which provides oilcake… can be grown all along the foothills & valley lands.”
“Technologies such as solar-powered cold storage, biogas plants, solar dryers, and decentralized microgrids offer practical solutions… and they can reduce food losses, improve feed preservation, and bring efficiency,” Mhathung noted.
He urged participants to view the workshop as “a launchpad for action,” promoting integrated approaches, climate-resilient value chains, and inclusion of women, youth, and indigenous knowledge. He called for synergy across departments and stakeholders, concluding that farmers’ voices “must guide our journey forward.”