Prof J K Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University along with others at the 16th Scientific Advisory Committee meeting held at the conference hall of Nagaland University, Lumami, Zunheboto, on February 16. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | February 16
The 16th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Zunheboto was held at the conference hall of Nagaland University Lumami, Zunheboto on February 16.
The session was chaired by Prof JK Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University with welcome address delivered by Yangemongla, Assistant.
Dr Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, Principal Scientist and Head, KVK Zunheboto, presented the Annual Progress Report for 2025, followed by the presentation of Annual Action Plan for 2026 by Dr Visakho Shunyu, CTO (GPB and Agronomy).
The agenda of the 16th SAC meeting included review of Action Taken Report based on the recommendations from the previous meeting.
Annual Report 2025, highlighting the activities undertaken by KVK during the year, with members invited to suggest improvements. Annual Action Plan 2026, outlining proposed activities for the coming year, with suggestions sought on new technologies suitable for the agro-climatic conditions of Zunheboto.
Farmers’ feedback and suggestions
L Holuto Ayemi, Chairman Farmer Producers Organisation (FPO), Zunheboto district, acknowledged KVK’s efforts in reaching remote villages located nearly 90 km from the centre.
He emphasised the need for follow-up visits after initial interventions to ensure lasting impact on farmers. He also called for greater focus on animal husbandry and livelihood activities, noting the prevalence of animal diseases in the district.
Ayemi suggested more training programmes on animal health management and integrated farming systems. He stressed the need for increased funding to expand outreach to more remote areas.
Kakuto Assumi, a farmer from Litami village, highlighted irrigation problems, challenges in coffee plantations, and crop destruction caused by elephants.
H Ghukhali Sema of Naghuto village shared her success story, stating that after attending KVK training programmes in 2018 on value addition such as jackfruit chips, tomato pickle, and wine making she now earns around Rs 3,500 per month, amounting to approximately Rs 40,000 annually.
She expressed gratitude to KVK for enabling her to become self-reliant.
Another farmer, Itohei from Khrimito, said KVK had assisted villagers with pigs and poultry and provided training in preparing chips and pickles, which has contributed to their livelihoods.
SAS stresses integrated farming
Meanwhile, the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) officials emphasised the importance of integrated farming systems, especially given limited resources and cropping constraints in the region.
They discussed the issue of elephants entering agricultural fields, linking it to floods in Assam and large-scale exploitation of forest areas in Nagaland for timber extraction, which has driven wildlife into farming areas.
Members pointed out that Rabi Soybean has not been successful in Nagaland and recommended focusing on indigenous crops suited to local conditions.
Representatives from the Department of Livestock and Animal Husbandry, NU highlighted the importance of the Sumi Ne (Sumi goat), a rare long-haired goat found in high-altitude hilly areas such as Satakha and Keltomi. The animal’s natural fibre is traditionally used for making jewellery by the Sumi community. However, its population is critically low, with only a few animals remaining.
NU VC stresses need to conserve rare Sumi goat
Meanwhile, Prof JK Patnaik noted that the population of the Sumi goat is declining as farmers are reluctant to rear it due to crop damage and fencing challenges. He described the situation as serious and stressed the need for conservation. He remarked that while artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in agriculture, it is equally important to preserve and protect indigenous genetic resources, even if large-scale commercialisation is not immediately feasible.
Dr Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia added that some villages rear the Sumi goat along with mithun and emphasised the need to multiply and conserve the breed.
A fruit scientist and board member from the Horticulture Department recalled that in 2014, Nagaland was declared a horticulture state. He suggested greater emphasis on minor fruits and vegetables, noting that citrus crops across the Northeast are facing a “complex decline.”
He added that Nagaland’s climate is comparable to Ethiopia’s, making it suitable for high-quality coffee production, but stressed the importance of proper processing to enhance market value.
Later, addressing the media, the NU VC said the inputs received from farmers were enlightening and that KVK’s efforts in technology transfer and field-testing have had a substantial impact on the farming community.
Among the key decisions taken was the need to protect and conserve the endangered Sumi goat for its long fibre, which has commercial potential for the Sumi community. He said efforts would be made to secure funding from agencies such as National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to undertake conservation and experimental initiatives in the cooler hill zones where the goat is uniquely found.
Despite the limited mandate of ATARI, the University aims to extend technologies developed by the SAS to benefit the farming community, he stated.
