Kohima: Villagers in Satami, Zunheboto, are harvesting rice to feed themselves. They reject outside food sources. This annual labor binds the community together. They hold tight to methods passed down by forefathers since the village was founded by Puloshe in the 1700s. Village chief Vihokhu Awomi said the practice shows the community's “determination to preserve agricultural traditions for future generations.”
The Zunheboto Agriculture Department took notice. They recognized the village for its high yields. The government provided Rs 2.20 lakh in assistance, a rice mill, and an agricultural link road to help the farmers. Field owner Kiyeto Phuleshe noted the village now produces over 20,000 tins of rice annually. They prefer this to relying on government supplies.
A strict village resolution bans importing rice. Anyone caught bringing outside grain faces a Rs 1,500 fine. Diabetics get an exception. BPL rice meant for Satami residents in Zunheboto town stays in town. It never enters the village. The goal is total self-reliance.
Farming here is hard work. Tools have evolved, but the spirit remains. Awomi noted, “Today, sickles and tarpaulins have made the process easier, reflecting changes in farming methods while retaining the importance of manual labour.” In the past, men harvested by hand using cane baskets. Traditional customs still surround the season. Families slaughter pigs to celebrate. They avoid cows and hunting birds, fearing bad harvests. They hold these newly collected grains until the Ahuna festival on November 14. Then, they open the granaries.
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