DIMAPUR, SEP 21 (NPN): A Nagaland University (NU) study has called for district-specific agricultural extension strategies to promote sustainable pineapple farming, finding that farmers’ adoption of sustainable practices varies with local conditions, economic circumstances and access to extension services.
The study assessed pineapple growers across four areas — agronomic practices, resource management, pest and disease management, and post-harvest management — and identified land-use and income-related factors, motivation, and access to extension services as key influences on adoption.
The researchers recommended need-based training, field demonstrations, farmer-to-farmer extension, technical guidance and regular follow-up, saying a uniform approach may not address district-level differences.
The study also highlighted intercropping, mixed cropping, organic nutrient management, soil and water conservation, appropriate input management and crop-residue management as practices that could improve soil health, resource-use efficiency and the resilience of pineapple-based farming systems.
The findings were published in the Indian Journal of Extension Education. The paper was co-authored by Sentibenla Pongener, Prof. Kaushal Kumar Jha and Dr. Shagolsem Herojit Singh of Nagaland University’s Department of Agricultural Extension Education.
Pineapple is cultivated across all districts of Nagaland and is known for its distinctive flavour, sweetness, low fibre content and high total soluble solids of 16.5 to 18 per cent. However, growers continue to face challenges related to production, marketing, post-harvest management and resource sustainability.
Nagaland University vice chancellor Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik said the study highlighted the importance of location-specific strategies, stronger agricultural extension services, resource conservation and greater support to farmers.
He said the university remained committed to research addressing local agricultural challenges and supporting sustainable livelihoods and environmentally responsible development in the region.
Prof. Jha said the findings showed that adoption levels and challenges were shaped by local conditions, highlighting the need for tailored extension strategies rather than a uniform approach.
PhD scholar Pongener said greater awareness and capacity-building were needed to address the long-term environmental and economic impacts of farming practices, particularly amid climate change, soil degradation and nutrient depletion.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026