NPF farmers' wing to undertake statewide inquiry tour across Nagaland

The ruling Naga Peoples Fronts farmers wing on Saturday announced a statewide tour to engage directly with farming communities across the state to understand the ground realities and to highlight successful agricultural practices and initiatives. Meanwhile, NPF CFW secretary and administrator Nguto Assumi said the initiative aims to encourage farmers to adopt progressive and scientific farming practices while preserving traditional systems.

The ruling Naga People's Front's farmers' wing on Saturday announced a statewide tour to engage directly with farming communities across the state to understand the ground realities and to highlight successful agricultural practices and initiatives. Addressing a press conference in Kohima on Saturday, NPF Central Farmers' Wing (CFW) president Vikheho Swu said as part of a statewide 'appreciative inquiry tour', three teams would cover all districts of the state, travelling towards Tuensang, Mon and the central region. He said the tour aims to identify and acknowledge successful Naga farmers, promote agricultural initiatives, and interact with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agri and allied departments, and field officers. Swu appreciated the government's efforts in promoting agriculture through distribution of seeds, saplings, farm tools and identification of crop clusters, while also highlighting challenges such as the ageing farming population and climate change. He said younger generations are increasingly moving away from farming towards white-collar jobs, adding that farmers must adopt climate-resilient crops and farming methods to cope with unpredictable weather conditions. On modern farming, Swu said the shift from traditional jhum cultivation would require collective decision-making involving both the government and local communities, while stressing that jhum remains deeply linked to Naga culture and identity. NPF CFW general secretary Chikrokroyo Kezo said the tour would also help farmers access information on government schemes, seeds and saplings through coordination with departments. Meanwhile, NPF CFW secretary and administrator Nguto Assumi said the initiative aims to encourage farmers to adopt progressive and scientific farming practices while preserving traditional systems. Swu further said that the CFW intends to continue visiting villages hosting crop-based festivals and agricultural celebrations in the future. ''We will be submitting our reports to the government and see what best we can do for the farming community,'' he added.