The soil and climatic condition of Nagaland is suitable for cultivation of cotton. Nagas since time immoral cultivated cotton. Nagas are also expert in spinning and weaving of cotton. Different designs of clothes are made from cotton. However, in recent times with the change time, people have turned for easy and more decent dress available in the market. Thus, the traditional method of cotton cultivation is losing popularity in the state. However, cotton is still popular in some rural areas in the state. Pathso village under Noklak Block, Tuensang district is about 70 km from Tuensang town. The village still depends mostly on their own source of income from farming and rearing domestic animals. Cotton cultivation is still popular in the village and surrounding area. To uplift the economy of the women in the village, Agricultural Technology Management Agency opened a cotton farm school in the village. The school was opened with the aim to impart training to cotton growers. With the support of ATMA the cotton growers have increased the production of raw cotton. The activity of spinning and weaving has also increased. Different designs of clothes and dress are made by women self help groups known as cotton farmers. The product of this SHG is not only used by the villagers, but they are selling their products to outsiders as well. The main attraction of their work is fine and skillful finishing with attractive designs. They also use locally available dyes and colors. This humble beginning of the women group is gaining income and popularity day by day.
Kunoto Y Chishi, DPD, ATMA Tuensang