8 October 2026, Medziphema
The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, showcased seven newly developed rice varieties during a Farmers’ Field Day today, providing farmers and agriculture officials an opportunity to assess their performance and suitability for Nagaland’s agro-climatic conditions.
Approved for release in April 2026 by the State Seed Sub-Committee, the varieties are early-maturing, climate-resilient and disease-tolerant, with a maturity period of 115–120 days and a yield potential of 5–7 tonnes per hectare. They also exhibit tolerance to blast disease and moderate tolerance to moisture stress. The varieties have been developed to address key challenges faced by rice farmers in the State, including prolonged crop duration, moisture stress and losses caused by diseases and insect pests.
The Farmers’ Field Day brought together 56 participants, including farmers from Sovima, Henvi, Chümoukedima, Dhansiripar and Singrijan, along with officials from the Department of Agriculture, scientists and technical personnel of ICAR Nagaland Centre, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) officials.
During the field visit, the characteristics and performance of the seven varieties were explained. It was highlighted that their development was guided by the need to overcome major production constraints and improve rice productivity under local growing conditions. The varieties are the outcome of more than nine years of research, during which nearly 990 breeding lines were evaluated to identify high-yielding, early-maturing varieties suited to the region.
Farmers who had already cultivated some of the varieties shared encouraging experiences regarding their performance and yield attributes. Several participants expressed interest in adopting the varieties after observing their field performance.
Smt. Limanenla, Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, Kohima, encouraged farmers to adopt the improved varieties and benefit from scientific innovations developed by agricultural research institutions. She noted that their shorter duration, higher yield potential and stress tolerance could help farmers harvest more in less time, create opportunities for improved cropping systems and enhance farm income. She also called upon the Agriculture Department and field functionaries to facilitate their wider dissemination across the State.
Dr H. Kalita, Head, Regional Centre, ICAR Nagaland Centre, emphasised the importance of transferring improved technologies from research stations to farmers’ fields. He highlighted the role of short-duration rice varieties in improving the efficiency and profitability of rice-based farming systems.
Ms. Moaienla Pongen, District Agriculture Officer, Chümoukedima, appreciated the performance of the varieties and encouraged farmers to consider their adoption. She observed that improved varieties suited to local production conditions could help farmers achieve better returns.
Shri David Awomi, Deputy Director of Agriculture, also interacted with farmers and highlighted the potential of high-yielding, stress-tolerant varieties to enhance rice production, farm income and livelihood opportunities.
Earlier, the State Seed Sub-Committee meeting for the release of the seven varieties was held on 21 April 2026 at ICAR Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, in accordance with the prescribed varietal release procedures. The release was approved by Smt. Limanenla, Joint Secretary, Government of Nagaland, and Shri Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor for Agriculture, Government of Nagaland.
Shri Mhathung Yanthan lauded the scientific community’s efforts and described the development as a significant milestone for agriculture in Nagaland. He emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among departments to ensure the effective dissemination and adoption of the varieties, with tangible benefits for farming communities.
The initiative reflects ICAR Nagaland Centre’s continued efforts to develop and promote improved rice varieties that address local production challenges, strengthen climate resilience and support higher productivity and better livelihoods for farmers in the region.
(Source: ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre)
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