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Solunla R Lims
DIMAPUR — Set among the hills of Shamator district, Sukiur village paints a picture of rural life that is deeply connected with the rhythms of agriculture. Here, at least 90% of the population depends on farming as their primary source of sustenance and income.
The village, blessed with diverse agro-climatic conditions, yields a variety of crops. From staples like rice and millet to crops like beans, maize and an array of fruits, Sukiur's farmers cultivate over 30 varieties throughout the year. Livestock rearing, with households typically raising poultry, pigs, and cattle, provides a supplementary source of income and nutrition.
While this picturesque setting might conjure images of idyllic self-sufficiency, the reality for Sukiur's farmers is far more challenging. The income generated, even in a good year, barely meets their basic needs, and governmental support remains a distant dream.
“Most families earn around INR 20,000 to INR 30,000 annually from selling their produce, but it varies greatly with the weather,” explained Ramtsü Tütsüliu, a 39-year-old farmer.
The lack of reliable transportation infrastructure adds another layer of difficulty.
Tütsüliu said that the cost of hiring a vehicle to transport produce to markets like Tuensang can be as high as INR 10,000.
Poor road infrastructure and limited public transportation options contribute to high transportation costs, he said, adding that even a shared Sumo ride to a relatively nearby location like Kiphire can cost around INR 400 per seat.
Agricultural system
Farming practices in the village are largely traditional, with shifting cultivation (jhum) being the primary method. Additionally, farmers also practice terrace farming, horticulture, and agro-forestry to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Major crops cultivated in the jhum fields include maize, rice, a local variety of kidney beans known as “khulumai” in the Tikhir language, as well as millet, taro, yam, and soybeans.
Rice, the staple food, occupies the largest cultivated area, accounting for approximately 75% of the total food production.
Agriculture, deeply intertwined with traditional knowledge and indigenous practices, plays a central role in the lives of the villagers.
Labourers in the village typically earn between INR 200 and INR 250 per day as daily wages, depending on the workload, Tütsüliu said.
According to Goan Bura Akhuhbah Yiuliu, water scarcity during the Rabi season severely restricts paddy cultivation, leaving the land largely unproductive from November to April.
“From November to April, the water supply from our primary source, Muraih Tei, dwindles, leading to crop failure,” he said, adding that these situations force farmers to stop most cropping activities until the onset of the next monsoon.
For those who want to continue, they have to travel long distances to carry water to irrigate their fields during this period.
Furthermore, the monsoon season brings its own set of challenges, including damage to crops and difficult road conditions due to excessive rainfall, he said.
Yiuliu also pointed out other systemic issues hindering agricultural growth in the region, including poor road connectivity and limited access to markets. As it is challenging for farmers to transport and sell their produce, commercial-scale production is not taken up, he maintained.
He also said that farmers lack access to modern farming equipment and machinery suitable for the hilly terrain and therefore rely on traditional tools.
“Farming is an essential part of our lives, providing us food and other resources,” shared Relushe Thongliu, a woman farmer. “But many a time, farmers like us face a variety of challenges that make our job difficult and sometimes even impossible," she said, adding that crop infestations and livestock diseases cause significant losses for farmers in the village.
In this connection, Rejang Tütsüliu, a 69-year old farmer, pointed out the lack of government support as a major challenge. “Since we belong to a remote area, there’s no agricultural department or any helpline from the government,” he said.
Modern solutions exist, but due to lack of access, we rely heavily on traditional knowledge and practices to protect our crops, he said.
“We use natural remedies like composting with crop residues and animal manure to create organic fertiliser,” he said, adding that crop rotation, especially for wheat and millet, is another technique they use to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest infestation.
He also said that the villagers make use of traditional bio-pesticides to keep pests at bay.
Preserving heritage, seeking progress
Tütsüliu emphasised that farming in Sukiur is more than just a means of sustenance; it's an integral part of their cultural identity.
“I feel it is an obligation to help people understand the relation of food to agriculture and the relationship of food to culture," he asserted.
He elaborated on this by citing the example of Tsahyuknye, the annual festival celebrated by the Tikhir community on January 23 and the 24th. The festival, rooted in ancestral beliefs and traditions, involves invoking blessings for a bountiful harvest before the planting season.
This connection to their ancestors and traditions, he maintained, is what binds the community to the land, their food, and their cultural identity.
Tütsüliu, who has been a farmer for most of his life, emphasised that the agricultural practices in Sukiur village and the broader Shamator district are inherently sustainable, reflecting their respect for the environment and generations of indigenous knowledge. This reliance on traditional wisdom, he maintained, demonstrates the community's resilience, their deep understanding of the land and commitment to preserving their heritage.
At the same time, there is so much potential in utilising modern tools and technologies to enhance productivity. So, we should find a way to adopt them without sacrificing our culture and heritage, he added.
(The writer is an English major student at Pranab College. She is currently an intern at Eastern Mirror.)