Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan and Dr K Kalita, Albert Ngullie andn others at the workshop on “Transforming Food, Land and Water (FLW) Systems to Combat the Climate Crisis in Nagaland State” held at Medziphema on August 13.
MEDZIPHEMA, AUGUST 14 (MExN): A state-level workshop on “Transforming Food, Land and Water (FLW) Systems to Combat the Climate Crisis in Nagaland State” was held on August 13 at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, under the Prime Minister’s Departmental Summit Initiative.
The workshop aimed to develop strategies for achieving climate-resilient agriculture in the state and was attended by stakeholders from agriculture and allied departments, research institutions, and district offices.
Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, the chief guest, stressed the need for climate-smart agricultural practices to secure food systems against challenges posed by climate change. He called for collaborative efforts between departments and research bodies to ensure sustainable use of resources and safeguard farming livelihoods.
Yanthan also underlined the importance of indigenous practices such as the Zabo integrated farming system and alder-based agroforestry for water conservation, soil fertility and long-term resilience in hilly terrains.
Earlier, Dr H Kalita, Head of the Regional Centre, welcomed participants and outlined the workshop’s objectives. Discussions focused on climate-smart food and nutrition system transformation, and watershed-based natural resource management.
Speakers, including Land Resources Development Director Albert Ngullie, emphasised watershed and springshed management, noting its role in sustainable water availability and community resilience. Issues raised included dependence on rainfed farming, declining soil fertility from shortened jhum cycles, lack of quality inputs and technology, and post-harvest losses due to poor storage and processing facilities.
Proposed solutions included crop diversification, soil health restoration, water harvesting infrastructure, renewable energy integration in farming, and improved market linkages.
The workshop concluded with agreement on developing a state-level roadmap for climate-resilient agriculture aligned with local needs and national climate goals. The recommendations will inform future policy and departmental action plans for sustainable food, land and water management.
The programme ended with a vote of thanks from Dr Harendra Verma, Scientist (PBG), ICAR Nagaland Centre.
