Sowing success: 8 Nagaland farmers receive NEIDA's ‘Best Farmer Award’

DIMAPUR — Recognising the work, resilience and skills of those who play a vital role in the food system, the North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA) initiated the ‘Best Farmer Award’ across Nagaland from July 24 to the 31st in Tuensang, Kiphire, Tseminyu and Phek districts.

In a press release, the NEIDA stated that a total of eight farmers were awarded with a cash prize of INR 25,000 each for their contributions in innovative and sustainable farming.

Tuensang: On July 24, NEIDA organised a brief program in Tuensang town to honour two progressive farmers from the district, M Namang and Mosha Yanchu, who were recognised for their outstanding work in piggery and agricultural farming, respectively.

Chongshen, Director of Programmes, Eleutheros Christian Society, exhorted the farmers, while short speeches were delivered by Akila, DDAO Tuensang; Ebou, BDO; and Dr. Aojongshi, Department of Animal Husbandry & and Veterinary Services. 

Kiphire: The ‘Best Farmer Award’ ceremony took place in Pungro town on July 25. The programme began with a welcome note by Tiarenba Imsong, NEIDA Area Manager, followed by brief addresses from notable dignitaries, including Imkongyanger Imchen; DDM NABARD Kiphire; Yochung, Senior Veterinary Field Assistant, Pungro; and chairpersons of Pungro and Khongsa blocks' cluster-level federations.

Vongtsushe from Pungro village received the Best Farmer Award for her achievements in agriculture, while Yelenshe from Phuvkiu village was recognised as the top performer in the piggery category.

Dr. Kikatemjen Ozukum, SDAO Pungro, was the guest of honor at the programme. He encouraged NEIDA to continue supporting farmers and emphasised the importance of preserving and reviving indigenous crops to boost exports, income, and employment. Additionally, he advised farmers to utilise social security schemes to enhance their agricultural progress.

Tseminyu: The ‘Best Farmer Award’ felicitation programme was held on July 29 at Phenwhenyu Village Council Hall, Tseminyu district. Two farmers, Kenile Cheng from Phenwhenyu village and Sinhile Seb from Tseminyu village, were honoured with the Best Farmer Award for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and livestock entrepreneurship, respectively.

Mhathung Ngullie, EAC Tseminyu, who also attended the event, proposed that NEIDA consider establishing a food park in Tseminyu. This would provide a platform for farmers to sell their produce and for locals and visitors to enjoy organic foods. He also suggested that farmers focus on cultivating king chili, a potentially lucrative crop for income generation.

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Phek: The ‘Best Farmer Award’ felicitation programme took place in Pfutsero town on July 31. During the event, Potsulu Theluo, Agriculture Officer, and Dr. Tshokedu Keyho, Veterinary Surgeon, delivered brief addresses, emphasising the importance of agriculture in Nagaland and motivating farmers to pursue excellence.

Two outstanding farmers received the Best Farmer Award: Rhilo Chiero, a vegetable nursery entrepreneur from Mesulumi village, and Lhiwetsho Wetsah, a mini-breeding unit participant from Zapami village, for their commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Rhilo Chiero shared, “I am grateful for the award. It has inspired me to work harder.” He started his journey with support from NEIDA in 2014 and encouraged fellow farmers to remain motivated and goal-oriented. Lhiwetsho Wetsah reflected on his journey since joining NEIDA in 2017, now earning approximately INR 5 lakh annually.

Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Head and Senior Scientist, ICAR-KVK Phek, the guest speaker, emphasised the fertile land of Phek district and its rich biodiversity. He shared on the collection of germplasm, preservation of indigenous seeds, importance of traditional storage methods such as keeping seeds above the fireplace, and the importance of community seed banks.