The Watershed Yatra (Campaign) PMKSY-WDC 2.0, initiated under the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, reached Surumi Village in Zunheboto District on February 20, 2025. The event addressed some of the pressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Nagaland, particularly the landholding system and irrigation practices, which have long hindered the region’s agricultural productivity.
Devendra Singh Dhapola, Consultant for the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, emphasized the crucial need to conserve water as part of sustainable farming practices. He highlighted how rainwater conservation is directly linked with the JJM (Jal Jeevan Mission) and watershed management, underlining that the two are essential for ensuring sustainable water supply and agricultural growth.
Addressing the broader environmental concerns, Dhapola also encouraged coffee plantation as a promising livelihood and cash crop for Nagaland. He suggested the creation of a Nagaland Coffee Café in Delhi to boost the local economy and provide a platform for showcasing the state’s coffee products. Drawing from Uttarakhand’s strict regulations on tree-cutting, where offenders face severe penalties, he urged the state to promote judicious firewood usage and consider alternative energy-saving methods like rocket chullas, which reduce the extensive use of firewood.
In line with the discussions on sustainable practices, Hekato N, Additional Director at the Land Resources Department (LRD), stressed the importance of planting new saplings as part of responsible land use. He also underscored the vital role that water plays in sustaining livelihoods and urged citizens to use water judiciously.
While the talks focused on environmental responsibility, Dr. Hutoka Jakha, speaker from ATMA, raised concerns about Nagaland’s lack of winter vegetable production. He pointed to the inefficiencies within the landholding system, where fragmented land ownership creates significant obstacles for implementing effective irrigation techniques. He stressed the importance of drip irrigation as a solution to this problem, which would not only address water conservation but also ensure better crop yields, especially for crops like cabbages and cardamoms.
Additionally, Jakha highlighted how the lack of forest cover directly impacts water sources, as the absence of trees and grass disrupts the natural process of groundwater recharge. This depletion of water sources makes farming even more difficult, especially during dry seasons.
During his keynote address, I. Acato Chishi, District Project Officer, Land Resources, Zunheboto, further emphasized that over-exploitation of natural resources driven by human greed is contributing to the degradation of land and water resources. He advocated for sustainable agricultural practices to help replenish the region’s natural resources, stressing that without proper water management, life on Earth could cease to exist.
The event, chaired by Kheshito Awomi from the Watershed Development Team, also featured performances, street plays, and a Shramdaan activity, all reinforcing the message of community involvement in sustainable land management. The discussions and activities offered vital insights into overcoming agricultural barriers in Nagaland and highlighted the critical need for holistic, sustainable farming practices to ensure food security and economic stability in the region.