Shri Ram Nath Thakur Reviews ICAR–KVK Interventions for Sustainable Agriculture in Longleng district, Nagaland

18–19 February 2026, Nagaland

Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, visited Longleng district of Nagaland on 18–19 February 2026 to review the progress of agricultural research, extension activities, and farmer-centric technologies being implemented in the region.

On 19 February, the Minister visited the Krishi Vigyan Kendra Longleng, where he was accorded a warm welcome. He was received by Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VII, along with scientists from KVK Nagaland, district administration officials, progressive farmers, and members of the public.

Dr. Mohanty highlighted Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)’s extension strategy, emphasizing location-specific technologies, climate-resilient agriculture, convergence-based approaches, and efficient utilization of natural resources in hill regions.

An agricultural exhibition was inaugurated showcasing location-specific technologies, improved crop varieties, water-harvesting models, processing units, and farmer innovations suited to hill agriculture.

Dr. Homeswar Kalita, Head, Regional Centre, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Medziphema, briefed the Minister on the mandate of ICAR-KVKs and their role in improving jhum cultivation systems, promoting low-input responsive varieties, strengthening water harvesting, and enhancing farmers’ capacities.

A detailed presentation on district-level interventions was delivered by Dr. Hari Charan Kalita, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Longleng. He outlined initiatives including scientific refinement of jhum cultivation, promotion of low-input crop varieties, water-harvesting technologies, processing and value addition, women-led agri-entrepreneurship, conservation of indigenous germplasm, protection of farmers’ rights, and advisory services.

The Minister also inaugurated a documentary on jhum cultivation featuring technological interventions and farmer success stories from Longleng. Additionally, he released a technical bulletin titled “Nutritional Strategy to Manage Chronic Diseases: Obesity, Hypertension and Diabetes” and a leaflet on “Iron Deficiency Anaemia,” highlighting the importance of nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

An interaction session followed with scientists from ICAR-ATARI Zone VII, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, KVK Longleng, and other KVKs of Nagaland, focusing on technology refinement, extension gaps, and district-specific challenges.

During the visit, the Minister reviewed ongoing research initiatives, interacted with scientists and farmers, and assessed the impact of agricultural extension programmes aimed at enhancing productivity and farmers’ income. The visit underscored the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening grassroots agricultural innovation and ensuring effective dissemination of improved technologies in remote regions such as Longleng.

The programme was attended by A. Pongshi Phom, MLA, Longleng; W. Manpai Phom, Deputy Commissioner, Longleng; senior officials from line departments; ICAR personnel; and progressive farmers from across the district.

In his concluding remarks, Shri Thakur emphasized that agricultural technologies must benefit landless and resource-poor farmers through allied activities, skill development, and enterprise-based interventions. He stressed the need to increase cropping intensity, ensure optimal utilization of natural resources, and strengthen water management systems.

Appreciating the achievements of KVK Longleng, the Minister called for stronger coordination among district authorities, line departments, and KVKs to improve access to nutritious food through Anganwadi centres, enhance fallow land management, and build farmers’ confidence through regular field engagement, including visits and direct interaction with farm families. He also urged district authorities to work towards ensuring food sufficiency in the state for the effective implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY).

The Minister further directed scientists and extension personnel to maintain regular field-level contact with farmers, frequently visit fields, monitor technology adoption, and provide timely advisory support to ensure sustained impact of ICAR interventions on farmers’ livelihoods.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VII, Longleng, Nagaland)