Mhathung Yanthan visits Chiethu jhum fields

In a bid to strengthen grassroots agricultural engagement and promote sustainable farming practices, Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan visited the jhum fields of Chiethu, Kohima, on Wednesday.
According toa DIPR report, the field visit programme, organised with the participation of 11 farmer groups, showcased the region’s agricultural potential and fostered dialogue between farmers and government stakeholders.
Advisor Yanthan, accompanied by Agriculture Production Commissioner Wezope Kenye, Director of Agriculture Sanuzo Nienu, and other officials, was warmly received by the local farming community. The programme began with a guided tour of the jhum fields, where farmers presented a rich assortment of crops including pumpkins, cucumbers, spring onions, corn, and tomatoes.
Addressing the gathering, Yanthan expressed appreciation for the community’s hospitality and commended the farmers for their dedication and successful implementation of mixed cropping practices. He noted that such methods have led to impressive yields and offer promising income opportunities for the region.
Highlighting the challenges faced by farmers in Nagaland, Yanthan pointed to the growing impacts of climate change and global warming. He urged farmers to stay informed and skilled in government agricultural schemes and technologies, stressing the importance of water conservation amidst unpredictable monsoons and limited irrigation resources.
The advisor also underscored the need for sorting and grading produce to access better market rates, including national-level markets. He encouraged diversification into fruits and vegetables, citing the region’s favourable soil and climate conditions. He further mentioned the Cold Storage facility in Sovima as a valuable resource for extending the shelf life of produce before market delivery.
In a forward-looking gesture, Yanthan endorsed the idea of agrotourism as an alternative income source. Supporting Sovima Village Council chairman Sebastian Zumvu’s proposal, he encouraged the community to develop infrastructure that could attract visitors and boost local livelihoods.
Yanthan also highlighted several government schemes tailored to farmers’ needs, including the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). He assured that the Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture are working to ensure effective implementation of these schemes at the grassroots level, with agricultural machinery being distributed based on field-specific requirements.
The advisor informed the gathering about a new Agriculture Policy currently in development, aimed at enhancing productivity, market linkages, farmer welfare, and post-harvest infrastructure. He also introduced ELEMENT, a World Bank-funded project focused on unlocking economic opportunities through forest-based produce. Chiechama, he noted, is among the 225 villages selected under this initiative.
Encouraging farmers to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, Yanthan urged them to expand their vision and aspirations beyond cultivation.
Earlier in the programme, Chiechama Village Council chairman Mhalezolie Metha and Sovima Village Council chairman Sebastian Zumvu delivered brief speeches. Zumvu highlighted Chiethu’s scenic beauty and agricultural richness, advocating for the development of agrotourism in the area.
A prayer of blessing was offered by pastor Khriesaneisa Dzieyie of Chiecha Basa Baptist Church. Advisor of the 11 Farmer Groups, Neichulie Rupreo, chaired the programme, while Neitso Sogotsu delivered the vote of thanks.