National workshop-cum-field day on revitalizing oilseed production in the NEH region through sustainable technology

1^st March 2025, Nagaland

ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Medziphema Nagaland Centre organized a national workshop-cum-field day on revitalising Oilseed Production in the NEH Region through Sustainable Technological Intervention” from February 27 to March 1, 2025, in collaboration with the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), Hyderabad.

The Chief Guest, Shri Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor for Agriculture, Govt Of Nagaland emphasized oilseeds' role in food security and boosting farmers' incomes. He urged farmers to expand oilseed cultivation and improve yields. He also highlighted the distribution of soil health cards to farmers and stressed the need for better market linkages. Shri Yanthan called for improved jhum farming systems and further research to enhance oilseed production, particularly in hilly areas. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate on research, demonstrations, and trials. 

The Special Guest, Dr BC Deka, Vice-Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, urged converting 10% of jhum land to oilseed production as a potential means to increase farmers' incomes, proposing that the state could start by cultivating 200-300 hectares with oilseeds, alongside beekeeping, to benefit from both sectors.

The inaugural session was attended by 150 participants, including representatives from various departments, ATMA, KVKs, and farmers from Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland, and Peren districts. During the inaugural session, participants received agricultural inputs such as thrashing sheets, knapsack sprayers, garden pipes, and seeds from the Chief Guest. 

Four technical sessions along with a field day were held, where experts from ICAR institutes and Assam Agricultural University discussed various aspects of oilseed production, promotion, value addition, and marketing. 

(Source: ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Medziphema Nagaland)