Two-day Soybean Festival begins at Agri Expo Chümoukedima, highlighting soybean’s role in nutrition and farm economy.
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DIMAPUR — A two-day Soybean Festival on the theme “From field to feast: Celebrating our soybean legacy” commenced at Angh Hall, Agri Expo, Chümoukedima, on February 20, drawing farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists and stakeholders from across the state.
The festival is being organised by ICAR–AICRP on Soybean under the TSP and NEH components, School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema campus.
Sanuzo Nienu, Director of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, highlighted the growing importance of soybean as a “miracle crop” for economic empowerment and nutritional security, a DIPR report stated.
Addressing the gathering, Nienu described soybean (Glycine max) as one of the most valuable leguminous crops globally, rich in protein and oil, and a vital contributor to food security.
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He emphasised that soybean not only serves as a high-protein food for human consumption but is also a key component in livestock and poultry feed industries.
“Soybean is a crop of the future. It supports heart health, bone health, metabolic functions and helps regulate blood sugar levels. At the same time, it strengthens our agricultural economy,” he said.
Highlighting its environmental benefits, the Agriculture director noted that soybean naturally enriches soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers and improving fertility for subsequent crops.
He further underlined the crop’s vast economic and industrial potential, stating that beyond food products like tofu, soy milk, soy nuts and fermented items, soybean is also used in producing bio-diesel, cosmetics, plastics, inks and other industrial goods. Farmers were encouraged to adopt soybean cultivation as a sustainable and profitable option.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. L Tongpang Longkumer from the Department of Agronomy, SAS, Nagaland University, emphasised the importance of scientific advancements and the adoption of improved soybean varieties suited to Nagaland’s unique agro-climatic conditions.
He underlined that soybean cultivation can significantly enhance soil health, boost farmers’ income and promote nutritional security across the state.
Highlighting the global importance of the crop, he described soybean as a “wonder crop,” noting that it plays a crucial role worldwide, contributing nearly 50 percent to the global oilseed sector.
In India, soybean was first introduced in the 1970s and has since emerged as the second most important oilseed crop in the country.
Soybean seeds contain approximately 20 percent oil and around 80 percent protein, making them a highly nutritious food source. Being a cholesterol-free oil, soybean oil was described as particularly beneficial for the health of people in Nagaland. The crop also produces a wide range of products, including edible oil, soy flour, soy milk, tofu and animal feed.
Among Indian states, Telangana was highlighted as one of the highest producers of soybean, showcasing the crop’s potential when supported by proper technology and policy measures.
Despite its vast scope, Nagaland currently contributes only about 0.1 percent to the country’s soybean production. Around 38 metric tonnes of soybean are presently utilised in the state, indicating significant room for expansion.
Speakers at the festival stressed the need to promote soybean farming on a larger scale, introduce improved seed varieties, and establish processing units to manufacture different soybean-based products within the state. They noted that with proper awareness, training and market linkages, soybean cultivation could become a viable and profitable venture for farmers in Nagaland.
Prof. AK Singh, Department of Soil Science, SAS, delivered the welcome address, while Prof. Akali Sema, Professor In-charge, Research Cell, SAS, chaired the session.
The technical session was delivered by Dr. Bendangsenla Imsong, SMS/CTO (Plant Breeding & Genetics), KVK, Jharnapani and Dr. Pezangulie Chakruno, Jr. Scientist (Plant Pathology), AICRP on Soybean, SAS, NU.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. G. Zion, Young Professional-I, AICRP on Soybean, SAS.
An exhibition stall showcasing soybean varieties, technologies and value-added products was inaugurated as part of the festival.
Technical sessions featured expert talks on variety selection for rainfed conditions and the soybean scenario in Nagaland, equipping farmers and stakeholders with updated knowledge and best practices.
“The festival aims to strengthen soybean production in the state, promote improved cultivation techniques and encourage value addition truly taking soybean from farm to table while empowering farmers and boosting Nagaland’s agricultural economy,” the report stated.