Nagaland marks completion of FOCUS Agriculture Project

The Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming System in the Northeast (FOCUS), Nagaland project completion workshop was held on June 3, 2025, at De Oriental Grand Hotel, Kohima.
According to DIPR report, addressing the gathering, APC & Mission Director of FOCUS, Wezope Kenye, hailed the successful completion of the project as a milestone in strengthening farming systems and boosting agricultural income in Nagaland. He emphasized that this achievement reflects the shared vision, collaboration, and determination of all stakeholders involved.
Kenye highlighted that FOCUS is the first Externally Aided Project (EAP) in Nagaland’s agriculture sector, implemented in partnership with IFAD. He stressed the importance of agriculture as a driver of economic progress and rural development, with over 70% of the population relying on farming for their livelihood. The project, which began on January 25, 2018, was initially set to conclude on March 31, 2024, but was extended due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite challenges, it successfully reached 645 villages across 9 districts, directly benefiting around 1,18,000 households, covering nearly 89% of the target group.
The initiative played a transformative role in improving market access, creating vital agricultural infrastructure, and enhancing rural livelihoods. Investments were made in market access facilities, community seed banks, and refrigerated vans, ensuring long-term support for farming communities.
Speaking at the workshop, State Project Director of FOCUS, Ramnikant Kumar, described the event as more than a conclusion—it symbolized years of collaboration and dedication toward transforming upland farming systems in Nagaland. He noted that the project reached 86% (1,02,245 households) of its target group, focusing on Improved Jhum, value chain development, and market access. It also contributed to knowledge-building through technical materials, procurement guidelines, land resource inventory maps, and sectoral assessments.
Encouraging stakeholders to see the workshop as a platform for learning and future development, Kumar emphasized the long-term impact of the project in empowering farming communities.