Dimapur: The North East Festival of Rice – Grains of Heritage – was celebrated at the Agri Expo site in Nagaland’s Chumoukedima on Thursday, showcasing the cultural significance of rice.
The event, funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong, was organised by the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Nagaland chapter, in collaboration with other departments such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Inaugurating the festival, Nagaland Adviser to Agriculture Mhathung said rice is not merely an agricultural commodity but represents life, identity, and heritage for the people of the Northeast.
“From cradle to grave, rice accompanies us. It sanctifies our festivals, anchors our harvests, and shapes our oral traditions,” he remarked.
Mhathung highlighted that the Northeast is globally recognised as a hotspot of agro-biodiversity, with Nagaland alone reportedly having over 200 identified indigenous rice landraces adapted to specific microclimates and terrains over centuries.
He cautioned, however, that many traditional varieties are at risk of degeneration and called upon scientists, researchers, and stakeholders to deliberate intensively on their conservation and scientific advancement during the two-day workshop.
Drawing attention to climate change and its impact on agriculture, Mhathung noted that erratic rainfall, floods, droughts, and pest outbreaks pose serious challenges to the food system.
He emphasised the need to develop climate-resilient and short-duration rice varieties that ensure higher productivity while preserving traditional germplasm.
“While we hold on to our heritage, we must also provide practical solutions to farmers,” he stated.
The programme also featured special guest remarks by Sandeep Ghatak, Director, ICAR, Umiam; Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Umiam; Sanuzo Nuinei, Director, Department of Agriculture, Nagaland; and Prashanna Gogoi, Director, North East Zone Cultural Centre.
The speakers emphasised sustainable agricultural practices, research support for farmers, and the need to promote traditional grains in the face of modern challenges.