Nagaland: Soybean fest concludes with farmer interaction

The two-day Soybean Festival 2026 concluded on Saturday with a farmer interaction and valedictory session emphasizing active participation and deliberations at Angh Hall, Agri Expo. Chümoukedima.
The session was chaired by Prof. Akali Sema, professor in-charge, Research Cell, SAS, Nagaland University, and moderated by Nzanthung, PhD scholar, department of Horticulture, SAS, NU. District Agricultural Officer, Chümoukedima, Moainla, along with other officials, attended the programme.
Guest of honour, Dr. Sushil Pandey, principal scientist, ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, in his closing remarks commended the farmers for their enthusiasm and described the festival as a unique initiative bringing together selected farmers from all districts of Nagaland. He expressed confidence that the event would foster greater collaboration in the future and appreciated the efforts of the organizers and coordinating teams.
An interactive farmer–scientist session followed, chaired by L. Tongpang Longkumer, PI, AICRP on Soybean, SAS, NU. The panel included Dr. Bendangsenla Imsong, SMS/CTO (Plant Breeding & Genetics), KVK Jharnapani; Dr. Engrala Ao, Junior Scientist (Agronomy); and Dr. Pezangulie Chakruno, Junior Scientist (Plant Pathology). Farmers actively discussed constraints, opportunities, and best practices in soybean cultivation.
A farmer’s talk was delivered by Khekato from Phishumi village, Zunheboto district, who shared practical experiences on soybean cultivation and biodiversity conservation. He recalled that earlier farmers produced 60–70 tonnes of soybean, but due to lack of market access and processing facilities, production declined to 10–15 tonnes. Presently, production has improved to around 25 tonnes, and with better inputs and support, yields could increase further. He emphasized the urgent need for seed-cleaning and processing machines and appealed for government support.
Presenting the event report, Dr. Engrala Ao informed that against a target of 200 participants, 200 farmers attended, mainly from Chümoukedima, Dimapur, Peren, and Niuland districts, along with representatives from the Nagaland Biodiversity Board. The exhibition featured six stalls, including soybean exhibits with 77 accessions (released and local varieties, including two entries from Manipur) and a biodiversity stall showcasing 439 items from 14 districts. Farmers’ feedback was also received from Peren, Shamator, and Longleng.
Awards were presented for Best Stall (Chizami Community Seed Bank), Best Exhibit (AICRP on Fruits and Species), Best Farmer (Toluvi Zhimo, 72, of Khekiho village, Chümoukedima), and Best Volunteers (Atsungpong Longchar and Nzanthung Ezung). Certificates and agricultural inputs including knapsack sprayers, tarpaulins, vermi kits (vermi bed, 500 worms, and vermi compost), along with rolls of pipe, were distributed by officials from ICAR–NPBGR and the organizing team.