DIMAPUR: The
Nagaland
government advised the farmers of the state to use the land judiciously and sustainably by adopting proper land-use planning to increase ecological and livelihood security.
Issuing farmers' advisory services on Tuesday, state agriculture production commissioner
Y Kikheto Sema
said although the traditional jhum cultivation is a way of life for the
Nagas
, it is neither economically remunerable nor ecologically sustainable in the long run.
He said with the onslaught of the
Covid-19
pandemic and drought-like situation in the current year, it is essential that the farmers may have to change from the traditional farming to improved modern practices to adapt to the changing climate scenario.
Sema said the farmers' advisory services are essential as unlike other states, the landholding pattern is very peculiar in Nagaland which is owned by the individual, clan and community.
The six-point advisory services asked the farmers to conserve or preserve the top hill and steep areas of the landscape and watershed which would serve as recharging zones for the benefit of availing moisture in the downstream areas. Conservation of the hilltops would immensely help not only to cope with the water stress issues and augment crop productivity but will also stabilise the ecologically fragile areas and prevent landslides, the advisory said.
It was advised to adopt diversification of crops by cultivating climate-resilient crops and mixed cropping in order to cope with the uncertainty of climatic factors so that farmers safeguard themselves against mono-crop culture failure.
The farmers may also convert their jhum plots to alternative farming like cash crops such as vegetable, fruit crops, agroforestry, coffee, large cardamom, tree plantation, etc., the advisory said.
The farmers have been advised to avail the facilities at the soil testing labs, established in 11 districts, to test their soil and ascertain the soil health status so that the officers and scientists of the agri and allied departments,
Krishi Vikash Kendras
(KVKs) can guide them manage their soil and other soil amendments.