Agriculture & Spice Plantations

Challenges and Opportunities:

Challenges:

• Reliance on Jhum Cultivation: Leads to land degradation, soil erosion, and low productivity in many areas.35
• Limited Irrigation: Agriculture is heavily rain-fed, making it vulnerable to erratic monsoons.36
• Fragmented Land Holdings: Small and scattered land parcels hinder large-scale commercial farming.
• Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate road connectivity, cold storage facilities, and processing units affect post-harvest management and market access.37
• Market Linkages: Farmers often struggle to get fair prices due to a lack of proper market channels and value chains.38
• Climate Change Vulnerability: Susceptibility to changing weather patterns.

Opportunities:

• Organic Farming Potential: Nagaland's "organic by default" status offers a huge advantage in the growing global organic market.39
• Niche Spices: Unique spices like Naga King Chili have global demand, offering high-value export potential.40
• Horticulture Growth: The state's climate is ideal for a wide range of fruits and vegetables, with scope for significant expansion.41
• Value Addition: Investing in processing units for fruits, vegetables, and spices can significantly increase farmers' income.42
• Beekeeping: The Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission is a successful model, showcasing potential in apiculture.43
• Agri-Tourism: Combining agricultural practices with tourism can create unique experiences and generate additional revenue.44
• Government Support: Various central and state schemes aim to support farmers and promote sustainable agriculture.45