Photo Courtesy: nenews
Kohima: A recent study from Nagaland University reveals that indigenous knowledge systems remain essential to the sustainability of terrace farming among the Angami Naga community. Published in a Sage journal, the research examines the deep-rooted social, cultural, and ecological frameworks that support these agricultural practices in the hilly terrain of Nagaland.
Unlike previous research that focused primarily on the technical aspects of cultivation, this study explores how traditional wisdom contributes to soil conservation, water management, and community resilience. Researchers found that Angami farmers continue to make critical decisions about planting and harvesting by observing natural environmental indicators, such as plant flowering cycles, bird behavior, and insect activity.
Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Jagadish Kumar Patnaik noted that the findings illustrate how traditional methods function as a living system rather than a relic of the past. He stated, "At a time when the world is seeking sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural solutions, such research underscores the relevance of indigenous knowledge systems."
The project was led by doctoral student Ketekhoto Neihu under the guidance of Srikanth Yamsani, an assistant professor at the university's Tribal Research Centre. While these traditional techniques have proven effective for generations, Yamsani pointed out that local farmers are now encountering new obstacles caused by shifting rainfall patterns and broader climate variability.
University officials suggest that these findings could help policymakers design development programs that respect and incorporate indigenous traditions. By integrating this ancestral knowledge with modern agricultural science, the study aims to strengthen food security and provide sustainable models that can be applied both within the region and globally.
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