Kohima: Nagaland Minister for Women Resources Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, is pushing for a regional overhaul of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture. She addressed the two-day National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign 2026 in New Delhi on September 29. Current federal rules hit a wall in the Northeast. Kruse argues that a uniform approach ignores the region's diverse agro-climatic conditions and traditional farming.
The region holds massive potential for fruits, spices, and high-value crops. Nagaland specifically wants to boost indigenous staples like the Naga King Chilli, Naga Tree Tomato, and Naga Cucumber. Farmers could also see better returns from pineapple, kiwi, passion fruit, ginger, and turmeric. Success requires robust value chains and branding. However, the Northeast grapples with rugged terrain, high transport costs, and a lack of storage infrastructure.
Kruse wants more federal funding flexibility to fix these gaps. She noted that current cost norms do not always account for the reality on the ground. She asked the Government of India to allow states to reallocate funds and select crops based on local market demand. The minister also warned that GI registration is just paperwork without real-world backing. She stated, “GI registration should be supported by production, quality planting material, processing, value addition, packaging, branding, market promotion and market access.”
Climate change is another immediate threat. Shifting weather patterns disrupt crop calendars and damage soil health. Kruse urged the adoption of climate-smart technologies and protected cultivation to shield farmers from these losses. She remains committed to working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to turn these local crops into reliable, commercially viable income sources.
Updated at 30th September 2026 at 2:00pm
Kruse specified that the needed infrastructure overhaul must include irrigation, water management, nurseries, and mother blocks. She also advocated for broader adoption of integrated pest and disease management and soil health management to counter climate-driven losses.
The minister confirmed the conference took place at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium in the NASC Complex, New Delhi. She publicly thanked the Union Ministry for their existing cooperation and the opportunity to air these regional concerns.
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