Kohima: Nagaland officials and top agricultural scientists met Friday in Medziphema to combat El Nino's impact on the 2026 Kharif season. Erratic weather threatens regional crop yields. Experts from the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region and the Nagaland Centre convened the summit to build a science-led defense against climate shifts.
Dr. Kadirvel Govindasamy, Director of ICAR RC, opened the session by demanding institutional readiness. Dr. Debahish Chakraborty warned of rainfall deficits and rising temperatures damaging local harvests. Scientists unveiled seven new, high-yielding rice varieties designed for Nagaland's specific needs. These plants survive harsh conditions.
Dr. VK Verma focused on water management to sustain horticulture during droughts. He argued these steps are vital for survival. "These proactive measures aim to secure farmers' livelihoods against unpredictable seasonal shifts and prolonged droughts," Dr. Verma stated. Experts also pushed for stress-tolerant crop planning across hill ecosystems.
The meeting drew a wide crowd. Attendees included District Agriculture Officers, Fisheries department staff, and Nagaland University faculty. Khonthungo Lotha, Joint Secretary for the Government of Nagaland, demanded rapid communication between research labs and field teams to get resources to farmers. Dr. Girish Patil, Director of ICAR NRC Mithun, closed the session by emphasizing the need to shield tribal farming systems from climate stress.
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