Farming is Our Identity and Creativity in Making Wealth

1. A call to Return to the Roots

A very interesting piece of news appeared in Nagaland Post on 10th July titled “Over 200 volunteers transplant paddy in Kohima”. NCSU president Pele Khezehie, speaking at his paddy field near Dzuu river, where 200 volunteers from the villages nearby had come together for paddy plantation, said: “Farming is our identity. Our forefathers survived through it without outside help”. Reminding them that paddy transplantation is not just manual work but part of a seasonal cycle deeply rooted in Naga culture. He encouraged them to reconnect with their roots and see farming as a means of survival and unity.

Till some years ago, school holidays used to be adjusted to coincide with the planting and harvesting seasons to enable the whole family including, school-going children participate in what was a part of our culture.

2. A sad reality

Today, when school children are asked about their father or mother’s occupation, some would say with great pride that they government officers. Many say, rather shyly, that their father/mother is doing nothing. When asked if they are cultivating paddy, they would say “yes”. So he/she is a farmer. They appear to feel embarrassed to admit it. How far have we travelled from those early innocent days when children took pride in going with their parents with a small spade on their shoulders and a knife under their belt?

Recently, so many articles appeared in the press, pointing out the dire situation of unemployment all over the country and particularly in our state as all are looking for a government job. It is clear that the government cannot absorb everybody. It is reported that as of now we have more people in government jobs than we should have had.

3. Former Chief Secretary: Nagaland not yet ready for industrialisation?

Former Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir had said something that may offend the modern generation but it is worth considering. Speaking at a workshop on career opportunities under NEP 2020, at Livingstone Foundation International School, he said that Nagaland may not yet be ready for industrialisation. He made this observation reflecting on Nagaland’s persistent struggles with industrialisation, citing failed efforts of the Tuli Paper Mill and the Sugar Mill project. He admitted that despite significant government support and generous funding, the paper mill project could not be revived. He recalled commissioning the project three times, but to no avail. Similarly, the Sugar mill project also ended in loses (Eastern Mirror reported on 5th July 2025).

Based on these experiences, Jamir said Nagaland may not be prepared for industrialisation, pointing to the need for improved planning, execution and infrastructure. Referring to his book “The Vision 2030”, he proposed exploring alternative economic models with agriculture as a promising focus, not suggesting to revert to traditional farming practices, but rather embracing agriculture as a modern technology–driven sector with economic potential.

He cautioned the audience about the danger of Nagaland approaching NEP as emulation of high-tech industrial models unsuited to its strengths. He asks the younger generation to reinterpret NEP in ways that fit local realities.

4. Fortunately a Change for the better seems to be taking place

Last year, Nagaland Post published a very encouraging report titled “Naga Youths break stereotypes with state’s largest  pig farm, ‘Arintin Venture’” (23 Aug. 2024). A diverse group of young Naga individuals had launched Kohima’s largest pig farm. The team aged 25 to 35, includes engineers and professionals, challenging the stereotype that government jobs are the only viable career path in Nagaland.

Eastern Mirror (2 July 2025) published another heartwarming story of Rev. Subong Aier building a career in pig farming. Driven by a vision of “Self-sufficiency” he helped form the Nagaland Pig Farmers’ Association in 2013. His work has grown into an organised network of 62 registered pig farmers from all over Nagaland.

5. A ‘Quiet Rise’

Apart from these big success stories, according to the Entrepreneur School of Business, Dimapur, (Nagaland Post 28 June 2025) a “Quiet Rise” is taking place. Youngsters are seen selling handcrafted jewelry online, a group of young volunteers in Chizami village is seen taking the lead in traditional farming practices and promoting sustainable living, students in Kohima College are seen listening attentively to change –makers like the founders of Joldi Pabo who shared insights on building businesses rooted in local needs.

This same school has made many valid suggestions, citing imitable examples from smaller economies like South Korea, Japan and even Estonia and Finland. Through their creativity, these countries have produced employment and wealth through cultural riches - anim and macha -(Japan), K Pop - (South Korea), designing, animation and gaming - (Estonia and Finland).

Other areas indicated are: our intricate hand-woven textiles, and bamboo crafts etc…These are waiting to be exploited. A favourable climate is already being created by the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) and other agencies. Hence their confident assertion and invitation: Now is the right time to launch a business in Nagaland (Nagaland Post 31 July 2025).

6. The Need of the Hour

As noted by the School and many others, what is urgently needed is a change in the mind set, deeply rooted in the culture. From childhood children are told to follow a traditional path; study hard, pass exams and become a government officer. As a result, many aim only for civil service or other governmental avenues. There is a call to the older generation “to be willing to let go of outdated hierarchies of work and recognise the dignity in alternative careers”. Similarly “the younger generation must put in the hours, master their craft and stop waiting for breakthrough that comes without preparation” (Entrepreneurs school of Business, Dimapur NP July 24).

Let us encourage our youth to roll up their sleeves  and seize the day, grasp the opportunity (carpe diem) as the Romans used to say, and plunge in to creative economic activity. Let us undertake to support them all the way!

Fr. M.P. Thomas SDB,

Bosco College of Teacher Education