Recognising the work, resilience and skill of those who play a vital role in the food system, the North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA) initiated the ‘Best Farmer Award’ across Nagaland from July 24 till July 31 in Tuensang, Kiphire, Tseminyu and Phek districts.
A press release issued by NEIDA informed that a total of eight farmers across said districts were awarded with a cash prize of Rs.25,000 for their contributions in innovative and sustainable farming.
Tuensang: A brief program was organised by NEIDA on July 24 at Tuensang town to felicitate two progressive farmers from the district. M. Namang and Mosha Yanchu were recognised with the award for their piggery and agricultural farming, respectively. Director of Programs ECS Chongshen exhorted the farmers, while short speeches were delivered by DDAO Tuensang Akila, BDO Ebou and Dr. Aojongshi from the department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.
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Kiphire: The ‘Best Farmer Award’ program was held on July 25, 2025 at Pungro Town. A brief welcome note was presented by NEIDA Area Manager Tiarenba Imsong, followed by short speeches from DDM NABARD Kiphire Imkongyanger Imchen, Senior Veterinary Field Asst. Pungro Yochung and chairpersons of cluster level federation from Pungro and Khongsa Blocks.
Vongtsushe from Pungro village was honoured with the Best Farmer Award under agriculture intervention for her achievement in farming. Yelenshe from Phuvkiu village was also a recipient under the piggery category.
The program was graced by SDAO Pungro Dr. Kikatemjen Ozukum as the guest of honour. He urged NEIDA to continue supporting the farmers and further stressed on the importance of farming, to preserve and revive indigenous crops to exportable scale and generate income, as well as create employment. He also reminded the farmers to avail Social Security Schemes and use it for improving agriculture progress.
The Best Farmer Award felicitation program was held on July 29 at
Phenwhenyu Village Council Hall, Tseminyu district. The award was presented to two farmers- Kenile Cheng, an agriculture farmer from Phenwhenyu, and Sinhile Seb, a livestock entrepreneur from Tseminyu village in recognition of their contributions to sustainable farming practices.
EAC Tseminyu Mhathung Ngullie graced the event and suggested to NEIDA to establish a Food Park in Tseminyu where farmers can sell their produces and people can enjoy organic
local foods therein. He also encouraged the farmers to prioritise the cultivation of king chili
which can be a good source of income generation.
Phek: The ‘Best Farmer Award Felicitation Program’ was held at Pfutsero town on July 31.
Two short speeches were delivered by Agriculture Officer Pfutsero Potsulu Theluo and Veterinary Surgeon (QCP, Khezhakeno) Dr. Tshokedu Keyho. They highlighted on the significance of agriculture in Nagaland and encouraged the farmers to strive for excellence.
The Best Farmer Award was presented to two outstanding farmers: Rhilo Chiero, a vegetable nursery entrepreneur from Mesulumi village, and Lhiwetsho Wetsah, a mini-breeding unit participant from Zapami village, in recognition of their dedication and contributions to sustainable farming practices.
Rhilo Chiero shared his gratitude for the award and said it has inspired him to work harder. He started his journey with support from NEIDA in 2014 and encouraged fellow farmers to remain motivated and goal-oriented.
Lhiwetsho Wetsah reflected on his journey since joining NEIDA in 2017, now earning approximately ₹5 lakhs annually.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Head and Senior Scientist, ICAR-KVK Phek, as the guest speaker emphasised the fertile land of Phek district and its rich biodiversity. He shared on the collection of germplasm, preservation of indigenous seeds, the importance of traditional storage methods such as keeping seeds above the fireplace, and the importance of Community Seed Banks.
