By NE NOW NEWS
Dimapur: The farmers’ wing of the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Saturday announced a statewide tour to engage with farming communities across Nagaland and assess challenges facing the agricultural sector.
Addressing a press conference in Kohima, NPF Central Farmers’ Wing president Vikheho Swu said the organisation would undertake an “appreciative inquiry tour” covering all districts of the state.
He said three teams would be formed to travel across different regions, including Tuensang, Mon and the central districts, to interact with farmers, agricultural stakeholders and field-level officials.
According to Swu, the initiative aims to identify and honour successful farmers, promote innovative farming practices and strengthen coordination with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agriculture departments and allied agencies.
He acknowledged the state government’s efforts to support agriculture through the distribution of seeds, saplings and farm tools, as well as the identification of crop clusters, but said the sector continued to face growing challenges.
Swu cited climate change, erratic weather conditions and an ageing farming population as major concerns, adding that younger generations were increasingly moving away from agriculture in search of white-collar employment.
He stressed the need for climate-resilient crops and modern agricultural techniques to ensure the long-term sustainability of farming in the state.
On the shift towards modern farming practices, Swu said moving away from traditional jhum cultivation would require collective decision-making involving both communities and the government. At the same time, he noted that jhum cultivation remains closely tied to Naga culture and identity.
NPF Central Farmers’ Wing general secretary Chikrokroyo Kezo said the tour would also help farmers gain improved access to government schemes, seeds and planting materials through better coordination with departments.
The organisation said findings from the tour would be compiled and submitted to the government along with recommendations aimed at strengthening the farming sector in Nagaland.