The Agri & Allied Organisation of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Mokokchung Region, conducted a one-day training and workshop on Integrated Farming at the NDPP Region Office, Mokokchung on May 15. 52 Representatives from 10 Assembly Constituencies attended the one-day training & workshop Program.
Lanuchuba Imchen, during the Training & Workshop on Integrated Farming, presented the topic “Integrated Farming System (IFS)” and introduced it as a sustainable approach that integrates crops, livestock, poultry, fishery, agroforestry, and allied enterprises on a single farm. He emphasized the efficient use of land, labour, and resources to ensure year-round income, minimize waste, and promote environmental sustainability. Key features of IFS include resource recycling, diversified income, efficient land use, enhanced food security, and improved soil health. The core principles outlined were circular systems, diversification, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability, with goals to maximize farm yield, reduce chemical inputs, control pests and diseases, and enhance soil fertility.
He highlighted the practical benefits such as increased productivity, reduced costs, multiple income streams, improved climate resilience, and greater food security. Real-world examples shared included crop-livestock integration, agroforestry with livestock, fish farming with crops, fish-pond-poultry systems, piggery-rice-fish setups, beekeeping, sericulture, and mushroom cultivation. He urged farmers to adopt integrated farming as a mindset and not just a method, viewing it as a coordinated system for sustainable livelihood. He concluded by stating that while traditional farming practices had their value, they were not integrated systems, and emphasized that farming remains the backbone of the country’s economy.
Recha Imchen, Assistant Horticulture Officer, Mokokchung, presented on “Mushroom Cultivation,” highlighting it as a profitable enterprise in farming, with Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms being the most common varieties in the region. He noted that mushrooms have long been a staple food in local diets, traditionally sourced from the wild, but now locally grown mushroom known as “Splitgill mushroom” have become commercialized. Mushrooms are considered a superfood rich in vitamins and known for their cancer-fighting properties. Recha recommended incorporating mushrooms into at least four meals a month. He shared that fresh Shiitake mushrooms sell at ₹700 per kg and dried ones up to ₹3000 per kg, with strong potential for export. Given the region’s geographic specificity, only select mushroom varieties thrive, making site and species selection critical.
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Recha said that for Oyster mushrooms, cultivation is possible on any organic substrate medium, with March to October being the best season. A well-ventilated farm room is essential for both Oyster and Button mushrooms. Shitake mushroom farming, though requiring patience, is proving successful—ideally cultivated during January and February. Logs used should be fresh, 3 inches in diameter and 3 feet long, with 30–40 drilled holes for the spawn, sealed with wax or glass putin. After staking logs in an open but roofed structure, the process takes 6–8 months with regular watering. Yellow or white formations indicate maturity. For export-quality Shitake, harvesting must be done at the medium umbrella opening stage. He concluded by inviting participants to seek further assistance and training from the department anytime.
Mangyang Jamir, President of the NDPP Mokokchung Region, in a brief exhortation, urged the youth and aspiring entrepreneurs to view agriculture not merely as traditional labour, but as a viable and sustainable profession with immense potential. Speaking to Nagaland Tribune, Jamir emphasized that the programme was conceptualized and organized with the primary aim of enlightening unemployed youth and individuals interested in farming about integrated farming systems as part of the NDPP’s grassroots initiative.
“This is about going back to the soil,” Jamir stated, underlining the urgent need to find meaningful solutions for the growing number of educated yet unemployed individuals. “When we talk about entrepreneurship, people often associate it with sectors like technology, trade, or manufacturing. But here, we are highlighting agro-entrepreneurship — a field that is rich in potential and deeply relevant to our land and people,” he said.
He noted that the NDPP is committed to empowering its party workers and the wider community by promoting self-reliance through agriculture. By introducing integrated farming techniques and encouraging agro-based enterprises, the party aims to reach the grassroots level and equip individuals with practical tools for livelihood generation.
“This is not just a one-time event. We want to build a network of support — connecting experts, resources, and market linkages — so that our youth can truly thrive in this sector,” Jamir added.
