The completion workshop of the Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming Systems in the Northeast (FOCUS), Nagaland project was held on June 3, 2025, at De Oriental Grand Hotel, Kohima. The event marked a major milestone in Nagaland’s agricultural development journey.
In his address, Agricultural Production Commissioner (APC) and Mission Director of FOCUS, Wezope Kenye, IAS described the event as a significant milestone marking the successful completion of the FOCUS project in Nagaland.
He emphasized that this achievement was the result of a shared vision, collaborative spirit, and the unwavering determination of all stakeholders involved.
Kenye highlighted that FOCUS was the first Externally Aided Project (EAP) in the agriculture sector of Nagaland, implemented in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). He stated that it represented a pioneering step in strengthening farming systems and improving agricultural incomes across the state, laying a strong foundation for sectoral development and institutional growth.
Recognizing agriculture as a key driver of economic progress, food security, and rural development—with over 70% of Nagaland’s population dependent on it—Kenye noted that the project has been instrumental in initiating transformative change. It has not only enhanced income generation but also built climate resilience, empowering farming communities to adapt and thrive, he added.
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He informed that the project commenced on January 25, 2018, and was originally scheduled to conclude by March 31, 2024, however, due to unforeseen challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the timeline was extended.
Despite this, he said the project successfully reached 645 villages across nine districts, directly benefiting approximately 1,18,000 households—covering nearly 89% of the targeted group. It facilitated the creation and strengthening of vital agricultural and allied infrastructure, improved market access, and played a transformative role in enhancing rural livelihoods and local economies.
Kenye added that key investments included market access facilities, community seed banks, and logistical assets such as refrigerated vans, which will ensure long-term support for farming communities.
State Project Director of FOCUS, Ramnikant Kumar, IAS, in his address, stated that the workshop marked not just the conclusion of a project, but the culmination of years of collaboration, dedication, and tireless efforts toward transforming upland farming systems in the state.
Providing a brief overview, Kumar noted that the six-year project aimed to develop, demonstrate, and upscale sustainable land and crop management practices in 645 villages across eight districts of Nagaland, targeting 1,18,000 households. Over the course of implementation, the project reached 86% (1,02,245 households) of the targeted population through various interventions, including improved Jhum cultivation, development of value chains, and market access facilities, he added.
He further noted that the project has gone beyond implementation by creating a rich repository of knowledge, including technical manuals, community procurement guidelines, land resource inventory maps, survey and assessment reports, and data pertaining to agriculture and allied sectors.
Kumar encouraged participants to view the workshop not merely as a conclusion but as a platform for learning, knowledge exchange, and a springboard for future agricultural and rural development in Nagaland.
Earlier in the program, Piyush Kanal, Country Programme Analyst, IFAD Country Office, presented a slide deck highlighting the key activities and achievements of the FOCUS project.
