Nagaland farmer bags IARI Innovative Farmer Award 2026

A progressive farmer from Longkhum village under Mokokchung district, S.I. Aren, has been awarded the “IARI Innovative Farmer Award 2026” by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
According to an official communication, the award ceremony was held on February 27 during the concluding day of the “Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela 2026” being held at IARI, New Delhi.
A matriculate by education, Aren has long experience in agriculture, both as a farmer and as a former government servant under the Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland. He owns two hectares of entirely rainfed land without irrigation facilities and uses basic farm implements, including a knapsack sprayer received through government support.
He practices a diversified hill-based farming system integrating field crops, horticulture and apiculture. Field crops such as upland paddy, maize and soybean are cultivated on about 0.5 hectare, while horticultural crops including tomato, potato, chilli, pea and cabbage occupy around 1.5 hectares. He also maintains 20 honey bee boxes, contributing to additional income and ecological sustainability.