A State Seed Sub-Committee meeting for the release of seven rice varieties specifically developed for Nagaland was successfully held on April 21 at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema. The meeting was convened in accordance with prescribed procedures and protocols for varietal release. Joint Seceretary, GoN, Kohima Smt. Limanenla and Hon’ble Advisor for Agriculture, GoN, Shri Mhathung Yanthan, has approved the release of seven early maturing disease tolerant varieties for the Nagaland. Hon’ble Advisor for Agriculture lauded the efforts of the scientific community and described the occasion as a historic milestone for the agricultural landscape of Nagaland. He emphasized that the introduction of the improved varieties would have tangible and positive impact on farming communities and called for coordinated efforts among departments to ensure effective dissemination and adoption.
        Head of Regional Centre, ICAR Nagaland Centre, Dr. H. Kalita, highlighted that the development of the varieties was the result of over nine years of dedicated research and sustained effort.
        The meeting was attended by distinguished members of the State Seed Sub-Committee, including Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Horticulture, Akumla Chuba; joint secretary, Department of Agriculture, Limanenla; director, Directorate of Agriculture, Sanuzo Nienu; District Agriculture Officers; KVK officials; and faculty members from SAS, Nagaland University. Other eminent dignitaries present included Director, ICAR-NRC on Orchid, Dr. S. P. Das, and former director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Dr. S. V. Ngachan.The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre showcased seven newly developed rice varieties by Dr. Harendra Verma, Scientist (Plant Breeding & Genetics), during a Field Day on Thursday, with farmers and agriculture officials assessing their performance and suitability for Nagaland’s agro-climatic conditions. The seven varieties, approved for release in April, 2026. These varieties are climate smart, early duration with a maturity duration of 115–120 days and have a yield potential of 5–7 tonnes per hectare, with tolerance to blast and moderately tolerant to moisture stress condition. They were developed to address the prolonged crop duration and low productivity associated with some existing rice cultivars in the State.
        The field day on these verities on 8 Oct 2026 brought together 56 participants, including farmers from Sovima, Henvi, Chümoukedima village, Dhansiripar and Singrijan, along with officials of the Department of Agriculture, scientists and technical personnel of ICAR Nagaland Centre and KVK officials.
        During the field visit, Dr Harendra Verma, Scientist, Plant Breeding and Genetics, ICAR Nagaland Centre, explained the performance and characteristics of the seven varieties. He said the varieties were developed with a focus on major constraints faced by rice farmers, including prolonged crop duration, drought vulnerability and losses caused by diseases and insect pests.
        According to the ICAR Nagaland Centre, the varieties are the outcome of more than nine years of research. Nearly 990 breeding lines were evaluated, and seven high yielding early maturing rice varieties were developed.
        Farmers who had already cultivated some of the varieties also shared their experiences, reporting encouraging performance in terms of yield and other yield attributes. Several participating farmers expressed interest in cultivating the varieties after observing their field performance.
        Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture, GoN, Kohima Smt. Limanenla, urged farmers to adopt the newly developed varieties and make use of scientific innovations reaching the field from agricultural research institutions.
        She said the shorter duration, higher yield potential and stress tolerance of the varieties could enable farmers to "harvest more in less time", improve cropping opportunities and enhance farm income. She also called on the Agriculture Department and field functionaries to facilitate wider dissemination of the varieties among farmers across the State.
        Head of Regional Centre, ICAR Nagaland Centre, Dr H Kalita, said the focus should be on taking improved technologies from research stations to farmers' fields. He highlighted the importance of short-duration varieties in improving the efficiency and profitability of rice-based farming systems.
        District Agriculture Officer, Chümoukedima, Moaienla Pongen, appreciated the performance of the varieties and encouraged farmers to consider their adoption. She said improved varieties suited to local production conditions could help farmers secure better returns.
        Deputy Director of Agriculture, David Awomi, also interacted with the farmers and highlighted the prospects of adopting improved, high-yielding and stress-tolerant varieties. He said such varieties could contribute to increased production and improved farm income and livelihood opportunities.