Agriculture of Nagaland

agriculture of Nagaland

Nagaland, the smallest hilly state situated at the extreme northeastern end of India, lies between 25° 6′ and 27° 4′ latitude, North of Equator and between the Longitudinal line 93° 20’ E and 95° 15’E.
The state Shares its boundary with Assam on the West, Myanmar on the East, Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam on the North and Manipur on the South.
One prominent feature of traditional agriculture practices in Nagaland is its high degree of agro-Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity.
This high agro-biodiversity evolved through exploitation of local site factors, consideration of Food Security for the family, judicious selection of crops and varieties for cultivation, diversified forms of traditional agricultural systems and in recent years, the cash income generating possibilities.
There are four diversified forms of traditional agriculture practiced by the rural villagers of Nagaland: the Jhum (Shifting Cultivation) System, Terrace Rice Cultivation (TRC), Firewood Reserve Forests and Home Gardens.

Agro-Climatic Zones

In general, Nagaland has a typical monsoon Climate with variants ranging from tropical to temperate conditions.
In the plains and low altitudes, the temperatures remains high almost throughout the year excepting the month of December and January, and in the hills and higher altitudes the temperature remain low.
The climate is quite invigorating throughout the year. The year is divided into four seasons: Winter, Pre-monsoon, Monsoon and Retreading Monsoon.
For agriculture purpose, it is divided into two seasons : Winter (Rabi) and Summer (Kharif)

Sub Alpine temperate zone (1500-3500m MSL)
Sub tropical Hill Zone (1000-1500m MSL)
Sub tropical Plain zone (400-1000m MSL)
Mild tropical Hill zone (200-800m MSL)

Land Use Pattern

The total geographical area of the State is 16,57,900 Ha. Out of which 7, 22,464 Ha. are under cultivable area which comes to 43.58%.
The major land use pattern is slash and burn cultivation locally known as
The Angami and Chakesang tribes have on the other hand, developed a system of Wet Terrace Rice Cultivation (WTRC) which is practiced alongside jhum cultivation.
Besides, there are other land use systems such as Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture and Agro-Forestry, which are of recent origin.
The combination of horticultural crops with forestry will ensure parmenent plant cover on hill-slops.

Feature of Agriculture of Nagaland

Nagaland has basically an agricultural economy.
Over 70% of the Population is dependent on Agriculture of Nagaland.
The main crops are rice, millet, maize and pulses.
Cash Crops like sugarcane and potato are also becoming popular.
Coffee, cardamom and tea are grown as Plantation Crops in Nagaland.
Rice is the dominant crop and also the staple diet of the people, of the gross cropped area under food grains, rice accounts for about 84.4%.
Oil seeds are also an important crop which includes Rapeseed, mustard etc.
Coffee cardamom and tea are grown as plantation crops in Nagaland.
Principal crops are Arums, yams, millet, maize, potatoes and sugarcane. Vegetable Crops are melon, cucumbers, spinach leaf, mustard, onion, chillies, carrots, tomatoes, brinjal etc.
The two methods of cultivation among the Naga tribes are jhuming and terrace cultivation.
The area under jhum cultivation is about 87.339 hectares and under terraced cultivation is about 62,091 hectares.

Jhum Cultivition of Agriculture of Nagaland

In jhuming, the individual parcels out his field into a number of plots and cultivates a particular plot for one or two years.
In the following year, he shifts to the next plot and that also is cultivated for the same period. In this way, after the rotation is completed, the first plot is taken up again.
The jungle is felled and burnt and the crops are sown on the ground fertilized by ashes.
The complete rotation of plots may take between six to ten years depending upon the acreage of the field.
The longer this duration is, the more fertile the Soil becomes and better the crops are, this method of cultivation is in vogue among the Semas, Aos and Lothas.
Jhuming has its obvious disadvantages. A large area of land is required for cultivation. Besides, the crops is dependent on rainfall.

Terrace Cultivation of Agriculture of Nagaland

A more modern method is that of preparing terraced fields.
The Angamis are experts in this art.
The complete hillside is cut, beautiful terraces whose width would depend up on the gradient of the feature, are made.
The fields are irrigated by a net work of water channels.
Normally the terraces are so graduated that water flows down conveniently from one terrace to the other below it, and so on.
Bamboo pipes are used to regulate the flow of water.
The excavating of the terraces requires a colossal effort, and one marvels at the amount of human energy expended in cutting them into shape, but these terraced fields, once prepared, are much easier to maintain than the jhum plots.
They have also the advantage of being closer to the village site.
The State Government is trying to persuade the villagers to change over from jhuming to terracing.
The Government is in fact, making all out efforts to improve the agriculture.
It has under taken a number of Irrigation projects, supplied pumping set to farmers, started community Development projects, set up seed farms and established an agricultural research centre.
As a result of these measures, there has already been a sustained increase in the tonnage of rice produced.

Crop Rotations:

Paddy- Mustard
Paddy- maize
Paddy- linseed
Maize – Black gram
Soybean –fallow
Paddy-cabbage
Maize- winter vegetables
Cucurbits – winter vegetables
Paddy –fallow
Maize –fallow
Ginger –fallow

Crop Sequences:

Paddy followed by Mustard
Paddy followed by maize
Paddy followed by linseed
Maize followed by Black gram
Soybean followed by fallow
Paddy followed by cabbage
Maize followed by winter vegetables
Cucurbits followed by winter vegetables
Paddy mono crop
Maize mono crop
Ginger mono crops

Inter Cropping: Jhum paddy maize, colocasia, soybean, cucurbits

Mixed cropping Jhum paddy maize, colocasia, soybean, cucurbits

Cash Crops: Cotton Sugarcane, Jute, Tea, Coriander

Rice

Cultivation of rice requires hot and moist climate.
It is a Kharief crop and is sown in March-April and harvested in Autumn.
Sufficient water must cover the fields.
Temperature: Rice requires hot and humid conditions. The temperature should be fairly high i.e. 24°C mean monthly temperature with Average temperature of 22°C to 32°C.
Rainfall: Rainfall ranging between 150-300 cm is suitable for its Growth, where rainfall is less than 100 cm, rice is cultivated with the help of irrigation.
Soil: Rice is grown in varied soil conditions but deep clayey and loamy soil provides the ideal conditions.

Maize

It requires hot dry climate.
Rainfall required for maize varies from 75 cms to 125 cms.
It is sown in May-July and harvested in August-November

Salient Features of Indian/Agriculture of Nagaland

Subsistence Agriculture of Nagaland: Most parts of India have subsistence agriculture. This type of Agriculture of Nagaland has been practised in India for several hundreds of years and still prevails in a larger part of India in spite of the large scale change in agricultural practices after independence.
Pressure of population on Agriculture of Nagaland : Despite increase in Urbanization and industrialization, about 70% of population is still directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture.
Mechanization of farming: Green Revolution took place in India in the late sixties and early seventies. After more than forty years of Green Revolution and revolution in agricultural machinery and equipments, complete mechanization is still a distant dream
Dependence upon monsoon: Since independence, there has been a rapid expansion of irrigation Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE. Despite the large scale expansion, only about one third of total cropped area is irrigated today. As a consequence, two third of cropped areas is still dependent upon monsoon. Monsoon in India is uncertain and unreliable. This has become even more unreliable due to change in climate.
Variety of crops: India has diversity of topography, climate and soil. Since India has both tropical and temperate climate, crops of both the climate are found in India. There are very few countries in the world that have variety comparable to that of India..
Predominance of Food Crops: Since Indian Agriculture has to feed a large population, production of food crops is the first priority of the farmers almost everywhere in the country. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in the share of land used for food crops due to various other commercially most advantageous uses of this land.
Seasonal patterns: India has three distinct agricultural/cropping seasons. You might have heard about kharif, rabi and zaid. In India there are specific crops grown in these three seasons. For example rice is a kharif crop whereas wheat is a rabi crop.

Challenges are faced by farmers

Farmers of our country are facing lot of problems regarding agricultural production of crop. Few of them are shortlisted below:

Uncertain weather
Uneven water availability
Lesser yield
Low quality crops
Lack of soil nutrients
Buyer’s monopoly
Less cash in hand
Less scientific guidance during agricultural
Less information regarding selection of crop seed
Inadequate information of plant root moisture holding capacity
Less information of scientific irrigation process for maximum yield
Less aware of the market and growing technology

Agriculture is the backbone of the Nagaland economy, employing over 70% of the population. The state is home to a wide variety of crops, including rice, maize, millet, ginger, turmeric, and vegetables. Livestock, including cattle, pigs, Poultry, and goats, is also an important part of the agricultural sector.

Nagaland is divided into 11 districts, each with its own unique agricultural characteristics. The districts with the highest agricultural production are Kohima, Mokokchung, and Dimapur. These districts are home to the most fertile land and the best irrigation facilities.

The main crops grown in Nagaland are rice, maize, millet, ginger, turmeric, and vegetables. Rice is the staple food of the Naga people and is grown in all 11 districts. Maize is another important crop, used for both food and fodder. Millet is a drought-resistant crop that is grown in the upland areas. Ginger and turmeric are important cash crops, grown for their medicinal and culinary properties. Vegetables are grown in the lower-lying areas, where there is more rainfall.

Livestock is also an important part of the agricultural sector in Nagaland. Cattle, pigs, poultry, and goats are the main types of livestock raised. Cattle are used for milk, meat, and draft power. Pigs are raised for meat. Poultry is raised for eggs and meat. Goats are raised for meat and milk.

The agricultural Industry in Nagaland is facing a number of challenges, including Climate Change, pests and diseases, and poor infrastructure. Climate change is causing changes in rainfall patterns, which is making it difficult to grow crops. Pests and diseases are also a major problem, causing widespread damage to crops. Poor infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, makes it difficult to transport agricultural products to markets.

Despite these challenges, the agricultural sector in Nagaland has a number of opportunities. The state has a large population of young people who are interested in agriculture. There is also a growing demand for organic food, which Nagaland is well-positioned to produce. The government is also investing in agricultural development, which is creating new opportunities for farmers.

The future of agriculture in Nagaland looks bright. With the right support, the state can become a major producer of food and other agricultural products. This would help to improve the lives of the people of Nagaland and contribute to the state’s Economic Development.

Here are some additional details about agriculture in Nagaland:

The state’s climate is tropical, with hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters.
The average annual rainfall is about 2,000 mm.
The main Soil Types are red laterite and alluvial.
The main agricultural pests are rice pests, such as the brown planthopper and the stem borer, and maize pests, such as the armyworm and the stalk borer.
The main agricultural diseases are rice diseases, such as blast and sheath blight, and maize diseases, such as smut and rust.
The main agricultural infrastructure challenges are poor roads, bridges, and irrigation facilities.
The main agricultural opportunities are the growing demand for organic food, the government’s Investment in agricultural development, and the large population of young people who are interested in agriculture.

What is agriculture?

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating Plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. The history of agriculture began thousands of years ago. After gathering wild grains beginning at least 105,000 years ago, nascent farmers began to plant them around 11,500 years ago. Pigs, sheep and cattle were domesticated over 10,000 years ago. Plants were independently cultivated in at least 11 regions of the world.

What are the different types of agriculture?

There are many different types of agriculture, but some of the most common include:

Subsistence agriculture: This type of agriculture is used to meet the basic needs of the farmer and their family. It is often practiced in developing countries, where there is a lack of Resources and technology.
Commercial agriculture: This type of agriculture is used to produce crops or livestock for sale. It is often practiced in developed countries, where there is a large market for agricultural products.
Industrial agriculture: This type of agriculture is characterized by large-scale production and the use of modern technology. It is often used to produce crops or livestock for export.
Organic agriculture: This type of agriculture uses natural methods to grow crops and raise livestock. It does not use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or Fertilizers.
Sustainable Agriculture: This type of agriculture is designed to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It often uses practices such as Crop Rotation, cover cropping, and composting to improve soil Health and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers.

What are the benefits of agriculture?

Agriculture provides many benefits, including:

Food: Agriculture provides us with the food we need to survive.
Jobs: Agriculture employs millions of people around the world.
Economic development: Agriculture is a major driver of economic development in many countries.
Environmental protection: Agriculture can help to protect the Environment by conserving water, preventing soil erosion, and reducing pollution.

What are the challenges of agriculture?

Agriculture faces many challenges, including:

Climate change: Climate change is making it more difficult to grow crops and raise livestock.
Water scarcity: Water scarcity is a major problem for many agricultural regions.
Soil erosion: Soil erosion is a major problem that can lead to loss of productivity.
Pollution: Agriculture can contribute to air, water, and Soil Pollution.
Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can damage crops and livestock, leading to losses in productivity.
Labor shortages: Agriculture is a labor-intensive industry, and there are shortages of labor in many agricultural regions.

What is the future of agriculture?

The future of agriculture is uncertain. Climate change, water scarcity, soil erosion, pollution, pests and diseases, and labor shortages are all challenges that will need to be addressed. However, there are also opportunities for innovation and improvement in agriculture. New technologies, such as precision agriculture and vertical farming, have the potential to increase productivity and reduce environmental impact. The future of agriculture will depend on our ability to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Which of the following is not a major crop grown in Nagaland?
(A) Rice
(B) Maize
(C) Wheat
(D) Millet
Which of the following is the main source of irrigation in Nagaland?
(A) Rainwater
(B) Canals
(C) Wells
(D) Tanks
Which of the following is the main livestock reared in Nagaland?
(A) Pigs
(B) Cattle
(C) Goats
(D) Chickens
Which of the following is the main forest product of Nagaland?
(A) Timber
(B) Bamboo
(C) Teak
(D) Rubber
Which of the following is the main mineral found in Nagaland?
(A) Coal
(B) Petroleum
(C) Iron Ore
(D) Copper
Which of the following is the main industry in Nagaland?
(A) Agriculture
(B) Mining
(C) Manufacturing
(D) Tourism
Which of the following is the main language spoken in Nagaland?
(A) Naga
(B) Assamese
(C) Hindi
(D) English
Which of the following is the capital of Nagaland?
(A) Kohima
(B) Dimapur
(C) Mokokchung
(D) Tuensang
Which of the following is the highest mountain in Nagaland?
(A) Saramati
(B) Japfu
(C) Mao
(D) Rengma
Which of the following is the largest river in Nagaland?
(A) Brahmaputra
(B) Barak
(C) Chindwin
(D) Dibang