Reported by Roopak Goswami
Guwahati: As climate change and food security concerns intensify worldwide, a new study by Nagaland University has found that the centuries-old indigenous knowledge of the Angami Nagas continue to sustain one of Northeast India’s most successful traditional farming systems.
The research reveals that Angami terrace cultivation is supported not just by engineering and farming techniques, but by a sophisticated body of ecological knowledge, cultural practices, and community cooperation that has been refined over generations.
Published in a Scopus-indexed SAGE journal, the study was conducted by researcher Ketekhoto Neiho under the supervision of Srikanth Yamsani of Nagaland University’s Tribal Research Centre.
While jhum or shifting cultivation remains widespread across Nagaland, the Angami Nagas have long practised permanent terrace farming, creating intricate networks of terraced fields that conserve soil, manage water efficiently, and support sustainable food production.
The study found that farmers continue to rely on natural indicators to guide agricultural activities. Flowering plants, bird behaviour, and insect activity are carefully observed to determine the timing of planting, transplanting, and harvesting, reflecting a deep understanding of local ecosystems.
Researchers also documented traditional soil and water conservation methods that minimise erosion and maximise water use. The continued preference for organic inputs over chemical fertilisers further strengthens the environmental sustainability of the system.
According to the study, agriculture remains deeply intertwined with Angami social and cultural life, with farming practices embedded in community institutions, customary traditions, and collective decision-making processes.
Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik said the findings demonstrate how indigenous knowledge continues to support agricultural productivity, ecological balance, and community resilience.
“The sustainability of Angami terrace cultivation rests on the harmonious integration of ecological practices, social cooperation, and cultural traditions,” he said, adding that the research highlights the value of indigenous knowledge at a time when climate-resilient farming solutions are urgently needed.
Lead researcher Yamsani noted that despite the resilience of traditional farming systems, communities are increasingly facing challenges from changing rainfall patterns and climate variability.
“Our study shows that Angami farmers continue to practise agriculture in close association with natural cycles and environmental indicators. At the same time, the adaptive capacity of indigenous knowledge systems will be critical in responding to emerging climate challenges,” he said.
The researchers say the findings could help policymakers design agricultural and development programmes that strengthen food security while respecting and preserving indigenous farming traditions.
The study adds to growing evidence that traditional knowledge systems can offer practical solutions for sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and climate adaptation far beyond the hills of Nagaland.