The 16th Scientific Advisory Committee meeting at Nagaland University discusses agriculture and Sumi goat conservation.
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DIMAPUR — The 16th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) was held at the conference hall of Nagaland University, Lumami, Zunheboto, on Monday.
According to an update, the meeting was chaired by JK Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, Principal Scientist and Head, KVK Zunheboto, presented the Annual Progress Report for 2025, followed by the presentation of the Annual Action Plan for 2026 by Dr. Visakho Shunyu, CTO (GPB and Agronomy).
The agenda included the Action Taken Report on recommendations of the 15th SAC meeting and the Annual Report 2025, highlighting activities undertaken by KVK. Suggestions were sought on new technologies suitable for the agro-climatic conditions of Zunheboto for the Annual Action Plan 2026.
L Holuto Ayemi, Chairman of the Farmer Producers Organisation (FPO), Zunheboto district, acknowledged KVK’s efforts in reaching remote villages.
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He stressed the need for follow-up visits after initial interventions to ensure lasting impact on farmers. He also called for greater focus on animal husbandry and livelihood activities, noting the prevalence of animal diseases and suggesting more training on animal health management and integrated farming systems.
Kakuto Assumi, a farmer from Litami village, highlighted irrigation problems, challenges in coffee plantations, and crop destruction caused by elephants.
H Ghukhali Sema of Naghuto village shared her success story, stating that after attending KVK training in 2018 on value addition for products like jackfruit chips and wine making, she now earns around INR 3,500 per month. Another farmer, Itohei from Khrimito, said KVK assisted villagers with livestock and training.
SAS officials stressed the importance of integrated farming systems, given limited resources. They discussed the issue of elephants entering agricultural fields, linking it to floods in Assam and large-scale exploitation of forest areas in Nagaland for timber. Members recommended focusing on indigenous crops, as rabi soybean has not been successful in Nagaland.
Representatives from the Department of Livestock and Animal Husbandry NU highlighted the importance of the Sumi Ne (Sumi goat), a rare long-haired goat found in high-altitude areas like Satakha and Keltomi. Its natural fibre is used for jewellery by the Sumi community, but the population is critically low.
The vice-chancellor noted that the population of the Sumi goat is declining due to challenges in rearing and fencing. He described the situation as serious and stressed the need for conservation. He remarked that while artificial intelligence is increasingly used in agriculture, it is equally important to protect indigenous genetic resources.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia added that some villages rear the Sumi goat and mithun, stressing the need to multiply and conserve the breed. A fruit scientist from the Horticulture department suggested greater emphasis on minor fruits and vegetables, noting that citrus crops across the Northeast are facing a “complex decline". He added that Nagaland’s climate is suitable for high-quality coffee production but requires proper processing.
The vice-chancellor described the meeting as successful. Key decisions included the need to protect the endangered Sumi goat. He said efforts would be made to secure funding from agencies such as the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for conservation initiatives in cooler hill zones.