Nagaland farmer wins national innovation award

Nuzolu Chuzho a lead farmer from Nagaland’s Phek district recognised for her outstanding work

DIMAPUR — Nuzolu Chuzho, a lead farmer from Nagaland’s Phek district, has been awarded the Innovation Excellence Award at the Outlook Agritech Summit & Awards 2024 in New Delhi on Monday.

Chuzho, a member of the self-help group (SHG) in Thipuzu village, was recognised for her outstanding work on a project titled ‘Food Security through Organic Potato Tuber Production.’

According to an update, the project, implemented by the ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR-KVK) in Phek, under the ICAR-ATARI Zone VII, Umiam, addressed a crucial challenge faced by potato farmers in the district—the lack of access to quality seed potatoes during planting season.

Previously, farmers had to source tubers from neighbouring states, resulting in delays and high transportation costs. To solve this, ICAR-KVK Phek, with funding from Farm Sector Promotion Fund (FSPF) under NABARD, helped construct a low-cost bamboo storage structure for potato seeds in Thipuzu village.

This innovative structure, designed for optimal storage conditions, can house up to six tonnes of tubers. It has proven highly effective in preserving seed potatoes after harvest, ensuring their viability for the next planting season, it said.

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The update stated that Chuzho’s leadership in the project has not only improved local access to quality seeds but also empowered farmers by reducing their reliance on external suppliers. The project’s success is a testament to the impact of grassroots-level innovation on enhancing food security and farmer livelihoods, it said.

Chuzho’s recognition at the Outlook Agritech Summit & Awards 2024 is a proud moment for Nagaland’s farming community, serving as an inspiration for farmers across India to embrace innovation and sustainable agricultural practices, it said.