Among the oilseed crops grown in Nagaland, rapeseed & mustard remains the most widely cultivated, covering 15,640 hectares (39.21%) and producing 17,235 MT (40.41%), while soybean follows closely with 13,805 hectares (34.61%) and the highest production of 17,422 MT (40.84%). Together, these two crops occupy nearly 74% of the state’s total oilseed area and contribute over 81% of its total oilseed production. Other important oilseed crops grown in the state include perilla, linseed, groundnut, sesamum, sunflower, and castor. Although oilseed cultivation is steadily expanding, farmers continue to face challenges such as erratic weather, insect pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and limited access to timely technical advice. For many farmers, especially those in remote villages, reaching agricultural experts is often difficult. In such situations, having reliable farming guidance available instantly on a mobile phone can make a significant difference by helping farmers make timely and informed decisions.
Recognizing this need, the ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, in collaboration with the ICAR–National Seed Research Institute (NSRI), Mau; ICAR–Indian Institute of Soybean Research (IISR), Indore; ICAR–Indian Institute of Rapeseed-Mustard Research (IIRMR), Bharatpur; and the AICRP–Project Coordinating Unit (Sesame & Niger), Jabalpur, has developed Oilseeds KisaanMitra—a multilingual, 24×7, research-based digital advisory service. It is the first initiative to bring together ICAR’s collective expertise on all major oilseed crops and deliver it directly to farmers across the country through WhatsApp, in their own language and on a platform they already use. Powered by multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI), the chatbot provides scientifically validated and location-relevant recommendations anytime, enabling farmers to receive expert agricultural guidance instantly and make better crop management decisions throughout the growing season.
The chatbot offers guidance throughout the crop season, including:
• Selection of suitable varieties
• Seed treatment and sowing methods
• Fertilizer and nutrient management
• Irrigation practices
• Weed management
• Pest and disease identification and control
• Harvesting and post-harvest management
• General crop care and improved farming practices
It covers all the major oilseed crops grown in India, including rapeseed & mustard, soybean, groundnut, sesame, sunflower, castor, linseed, safflower, and niger, making it highly relevant for Nagaland.
Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra is useful not only for farmers but also for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), agricultural extension workers, students, and young agri-entrepreneurs.
As Nagaland continues to promote crop diversification and strengthen oilseed production, digital tools like Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra can play an important role in bridging the gap between farmers and agricultural experts. Whether a farmer wants to identify a disease or pest, choose the right variety, or manage fertilizer application, expert advice is now available with just a simple WhatsApp message.
Good farming begins with good information.
To get started, save the WhatsApp number +91 40245 98180 and simply send “Hi”. Expert advice is now just one message away.
Data Source: Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government of Nagaland (Nagaland Statistical Handbook 2025. Kohima, Nagaland)
Article contributed by Virosanuo Solo, Anil Kumar Singh, L Tongpang Longkumer and Hoineichong Singson (ICAR-AICRP on Linseed, School of Agricultural Sciences Medziphema Centre)
