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Agriculture of Nagaland

Agriculture of Nagaland

Nagaland, the smallest hilly state situated at the extreme northeastern end of India, lies between 25° 6′ and 27° 4′ latitude, North of Equator and between the Longitudinal line 93° 20’ E and 95° 15’E.
The state shares its boundary with Assam on the West, Myanmar on the East, Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam on the North and Manipur on the South.
One prominent feature of traditional agriculture practices in Nagaland is its high degree of agro-biodiversity.
This high agro-biodiversity evolved through exploitation of local site factors, consideration of food security for the family, judicious selection of crops and varieties for cultivation, diversified forms of traditional agricultural systems and in recent years, the cash income generating possibilities.
There are four diversified forms of traditional agriculture practiced by the rural villagers of Nagaland: the Jhum (Shifting Cultivation) System, Terrace Rice Cultivation (TRC), Firewood Reserve Forests and Home Gardens.

Agro-Climatic Zones

In general, Nagaland has a typical monsoon climate with variants ranging from tropical to temperate conditions.
In the plains and low altitudes, the temperatures remains high almost throughout the year excepting the month of December and January, and in the hills and higher altitudes the temperature remain low.
The climate is quite invigorating throughout the year. The year is divided into four seasons: Winter, Pre-monsoon, Monsoon and Retreading Monsoon.
For agriculture purpose, it is divided into two seasons : Winter (Rabi) and Summer (Kharif)

Sub Alpine temperate zone (1500-3500m MSL)
Sub tropical Hill Zone (1000-1500m MSL)
Sub tropical Plain zone (400-1000m MSL)
Mild tropical Hill zone (200-800m MSL)

Land Use Pattern

The total geographical area of the State is 16,57,900 Ha. Out of which 7, 22,464 Ha. are under cultivable area which comes to 43.58%.
The major land use pattern is slash and burn cultivation locally known as
The Angami and Chakesang tribes have on the other hand, developed a system of Wet Terrace Rice Cultivation (WTRC) which is practiced alongside jhum cultivation.
Besides, there are other land use systems such as Horticulture and Agro-forestry, which are of recent origin.
The combination of horticultural crops with forestry will ensure parmenent plant cover on hill-slops.

Feature of Agriculture of Nagaland

Nagaland has basically an agricultural economy.
Over 70% of the population is dependent on Agriculture of Nagaland.
The main crops are rice, millet, maize and pulses.
Cash crops like sugarcane and potato are also becoming popular.
Coffee, cardamom and tea are grown as plantation crops in Nagaland.
Rice is the dominant crop and also the staple diet of the people, of the gross cropped area under food grains, rice accounts for about 84.4%.
Oil seeds are also an important crop which includes Rapeseed, mustard etc.
Coffee cardamom and tea are grown as plantation crops in Nagaland.
Principal crops are Arums, yams, millet, maize, potatoes and sugarcane. Vegetable crops are melon, cucumbers, spinach leaf, mustard, onion, chillies, carrots, tomatoes, brinjal etc.
The two methods of cultivation among the Naga tribes are jhuming and terrace cultivation.
The area under jhum cultivation is about 87.339 hectares and under terraced cultivation is about 62,091 hectares.

Jhum Cultivition of Agriculture of Nagaland

In jhuming, the individual parcels out his field into a number of plots and cultivates a particular plot for one or two years.
In the following year, he shifts to the next plot and that also is cultivated for the same period. In this way, after the rotation is completed, the first plot is taken up again.
The jungle is felled and burnt and the crops are sown on the ground fertilized by ashes.
The complete rotation of plots may take between six to ten years depending upon the acreage of the field.
The longer this duration is, the more fertile the soil becomes and better the crops are, this method of cultivation is in vogue among the Semas, Aos and Lothas.
Jhuming has its obvious disadvantages. A large area of land is required for cultivation. Besides, the crops is dependent on rainfall.

Terrace Cultivation of Agriculture of Nagaland

A more modern method is that of preparing terraced fields.
The Angamis are experts in this art.
The complete hillside is cut, beautiful terraces whose width would depend up on the gradient of the feature, are made.
The fields are irrigated by a net work of water channels.
Normally the terraces are so graduated that water flows down conveniently from one terrace to the other below it, and so on.
Bamboo pipes are used to regulate the flow of water.
The excavating of the terraces requires a colossal effort, and one marvels at the amount of human energy expended in cutting them into shape, but these terraced fields, once prepared, are much easier to maintain than the jhum plots.
They have also the advantage of being closer to the village site.
The State Government is trying to persuade the villagers to change over from jhuming to terracing.
The Government is in fact, making all out efforts to improve the agriculture.
It has under taken a number of irrigation projects, supplied pumping set to farmers, started community Development projects, set up seed farms and established an agricultural research centre.
As a result of these measures, there has already been a sustained increase in the tonnage of rice produced.

Agriculture of Nagaland

Crop Rotations:

Paddy- Mustard
Paddy- maize
Paddy- linseed
Maize – Black gram
Soybean –fallow
Paddy-cabbage
Maize- winter vegetables
Cucurbits – winter vegetables
Paddy –fallow
Maize –fallow
Ginger –fallow

Crop Sequences:

Paddy followed by Mustard
Paddy followed by maize
Paddy followed by linseed
Maize followed by Black gram
Soybean followed by fallow
Paddy followed by cabbage
Maize followed by winter vegetables
Cucurbits followed by winter vegetables
Paddy mono crop
Maize mono crop
Ginger mono crops

Inter Cropping: Jhum paddy maize, colocasia, soybean, cucurbits

Mixed Cropping Jhum paddy maize, colocasia, soybean, cucurbits

Cash Crops: Cotton Sugarcane, Jute, Tea, Coriander

Rice

Cultivation of rice requires hot and moist climate.
It is a Kharief crop and is sown in March-April and harvested in Autumn.
Sufficient water must cover the fields.
Temperature: Rice requires hot and humid conditions. The temperature should be fairly high i.e. 24°C mean monthly temperature with average temperature of 22°C to 32°C.
Rainfall: Rainfall ranging between 150-300 cm is suitable for its growth, where rainfall is less than 100 cm, rice is cultivated with the help of irrigation.
Soil: Rice is grown in varied soil conditions but deep clayey and loamy soil provides the ideal conditions.

Maize

It requires hot dry climate.
Rainfall required for maize varies from 75 cms to 125 cms.
It is sown in May-July and harvested in August-November

Salient Features of Indian/Agriculture of Nagaland

Subsistence Agriculture of Nagaland: Most parts of India have subsistence agriculture. This type of Agriculture of Nagaland has been practised in India for several hundreds of years and still prevails in a larger part of India in spite of the large scale change in agricultural practices after independence.
Pressure of population on Agriculture of Nagaland : Despite increase in urbanization and industrialization, about 70% of population is still directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture.
Mechanization of farming: Green Revolution took place in India in the late sixties and early seventies. After more than forty years of Green Revolution and revolution in agricultural machinery and equipments, complete mechanization is still a distant dream
Dependence upon monsoon: Since independence, there has been a rapid expansion of irrigation infrastructure. Despite the large scale expansion, only about one third of total cropped area is irrigated today. As a consequence, two third of cropped areas is still dependent upon monsoon. Monsoon in India is uncertain and unreliable. This has become even more unreliable due to change in climate.
Variety of crops: India has diversity of topography, climate and soil. Since India has both tropical and temperate climate, crops of both the climate are found in India. There are very few countries in the world that have variety comparable to that of India..
Predominance of food crops: Since Indian agriculture has to feed a large population, production of food crops is the first priority of the farmers almost everywhere in the country. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in the share of land used for food crops due to various other commercially most advantageous uses of this land.
Seasonal patterns: India has three distinct agricultural/cropping seasons. You might have heard about kharif, rabi and zaid. In India there are specific crops grown in these three seasons. For example rice is a kharif crop whereas wheat is a rabi crop.

Challenges are faced by farmers

Farmers of our country are facing lot of problems regarding agricultural production of crop. Few of them are shortlisted below:

Uncertain weather
Uneven water availability
Lesser yield
Low quality crops
Lack of soil nutrients
Buyer’s monopoly
Less cash in hand
Less scientific guidance during agricultural
Less information regarding selection of crop seed
Inadequate information of plant root moisture holding capacity
Less information of scientific irrigation process for maximum yield
Less aware of the market and growing technology

Vegetation of Nagaland

Vegetation of Nagaland

The Vegetation of Nagaland represents the transition zone between the Indian, Indo-Malayan, Indo-Chinese bio-geographic region as well as a meeting place of Himalayan Mountains with that of Peninsular India and therefore acts as a bio-geographic gateway.
Many ancient angiosperms and primitive flowering plants are found here and therefore this area is considered as a cradle of flowering plants.
Several groups of plants of Orchids, Rhododendrons, Ferns, Bamboos, Zingibers and Lichens have expressed their maximum diversity in this State.
The State is also considered as one of the centers of origin of rice and secondary origin of citrus, chilly and maize.
The State is also known to have a great treasure of medicinal plants, orchids, bamboos, canes, bryophytes and animal diversity.
Forest resource has been playing an integral role in the lives of Naga people since distant past.
Although Nagaland forest constitutes only 1.70% of total India’s forest, it is among the few proud states in India where virgin forest can still be found.
It harbours very rich and unique biodiversity with the state being a part of the Indo -Burma biodiversity hot spot.
Unfortunately, according to Forest Survey of India report-2013, Nagaland has been ranked first with respect to highest decrease of forest cover in India.
Nagaland is very rich in bio-diversity, both flora and fauna. Even today some pockets of forests are covered with gigantic trees, where sun- rays can not penetrate.
Due to reckless and uncontrolled cutting of trees for timber, firewood, continued Jhum cultivation and annual fire in vast tracts of land, forests got degraded and barren, which accelerated diminishing of the most of the original characteristics of the forests of Vegetation of Nagaland.
This calls for an urgent action to prevent further degradation of forest resource and to inculcate sustainable life style among the people.
According to the report, the main reason for decrease in forest cover in the state is biotic pressure, particularly the shortening of shifting cultivation cycle.
Nagaland state is endowed with rich biodiversity. Its beautiful landscape has luxuriant forest vegetation with high density of flora, plentiful number of species. Hence considered as one of the floristic hotspot in India.
It lies between 25° 6´ and 27°4´ N of latitude, 93°20´ E and 95°15´ E longitude which is generally a sub-tropical climatic zone
The state has a total land area of 16, 57,583 hectares; out of which forest occupy an area approximately 8, 62,930 hectares.
Beautiful suitable environmental conditions coupled with varying physiographical features favours the natural habitat for a large number of orchid species.
Of the many species of flora, family orchidaceae represents the most distinguished and diverse flowering plants of the state adding another status to the natural beauty

FOREST CLASSIFICATION

Nagaland has several types of forests, mainly because the state is mostly tropical, and the altitudes range from a few hundred meters to about four thousand meters.
The major types of forests found in the state, as per the classification of Champion & Seth, are as follows.

Northern Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest

These forests once covered the Namsa-Tizit area but now only a small vistge is found in th Zankam area.
It is found only in Mon District.
The dominanat species in this type of forest are Hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus), Makai (Shorea assamica), Nahor (Mesua ferrea) etc.

Northern Tropical Semi Evergreen Forest

These types of forests are found in the foothills of Assam-Nagaland border in Mokokchung, Wokha and Kohima Districts.
The species that make up this forest are similar to those of the Northern Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests.
The only difference is that in the former case the evergreen species dominate though there are deciduous species like Bhelu (Tetrameles nudiflora), Paroli (Stereospermum chelonoides), Jutuli (Altingia excels) etc, whereas in the present case, the number of evergreen species decreases and the deciduous species are more in number.

Northern Sub-Tropical Broad Leave Wet Hill Forests

These types of forests are found in the hill areas below 1800m and above 500m in all the districts of Nagaland.
The wet evergreen species are conspicuous by their absence and the dominant species are mostly semi-deciduous.
Some of the important timber species in this type are Koroi, Pomas, Sopas, Gamari, Hollock, Sam, Am, Badam, Betula etc.

Northern Sub-Tropical Pine Forest

These types of forests are found in hills with evalution of 1000m to 1500m in parts of Phek and Tuensang Districts of Nagaland.
Pine is the dominant species, and is found mixed with Quercus, Schima, Prunus, Betula and Rhododendron.

Northern Montana Wet Temperate Forests

These types of forests are found on the higher reaches of the tallest mountains (above 2500m) like Saramati and Dzükou area.
The species that dominate are Rhododendron, Oaks, Birch and Juniperus sp.

Alpine Forests

Alpine vegetation is found at high altitudes in ridges of Saramati range, which remains covered with snow for major part of the year from October to April.
After melting of the snow during the brief summer a few annuals, herbs and shrubs along with mosses can be seen growing there.
Species of Rhododendron, Abies, and Juniperus are found in sub alpine vegetation gradually merges into alpine vegetation which comprises of high altitude grasses and dwarf Rhododendrons.
Many members of Primulaceae, Saxifragaceae, and Polygonaceae families are also found.

Biodiversity hotspot of Vegetation of Nagaland:

Biodiversity hot-spot areas identified in the State are Saramati, Helipong, Tizit Valley, Longkhum, Meinkong, Changikong, Mount Tiyi, Baghty Valley, Japfu, Shilloi Lake, Dzulekie, Janglangshu & Manaksha area, Akhunato area, Mount Pauna Range, Mount Kissa Range, Intangki NP, Fakim WLS and Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bamboo resources in the Vegetation of Nagaland:

Bamboo is found extensively all over the State as a predominant plant in the foothill regions of Peren, Dimapur, Wokha, Mon and Mokokchung districts.
It also occurs mixed with other forest species in other districts of the State.
The State’s bamboo resource accounts for 5% of the national bamboo resource which amounts to 0.0448 million hectares or 4,48,000 hectares.
So far 46 species of bamboos have been reported from the State.
The predominant species found are Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Bambusa tulda, Bambusa pallida, Schizostychum dullooa.
With the revival of Tuli Paper Mill and promotion of other bamboo enterprises the resource requirement of the State is estimated at 5 lakh MT per annum.

Forest Cover Map of Nagaland

Vegetation of Nagaland

Animal Husbandry of Nagaland

Animal Husbandry of Nagaland

Nagaland, the smallest hilly state situated at the extreme northeastern end of India, lies between 25° 6′ and 27° 4′ latitude, North of Equator and between the Longitudinal line 93° 20’ E and 95° 15’E.
The state shares its boundary with Assam on the West, Myanmar on the East, Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam on the North and Manipur on the South
Rearing livestock mainly as the source of meat is found to be a traditional practice among the Nagas.
In the tribal community livestock is also a form of wealth which often serves as a status symbol and sometimes serves even as dowry in marriages as well as sacrificial offer in religious ceremonies.
These facts clearly establish that livestock development is of crucial importance to Nagaland where agriculture and Animal Husbandry of Nagaland provide the mainstay to about 95% of aggregate population.
The main agricultural activity of farmers in Northeast India (including Nagaland) is the mixed crop-livestock system characterised with low inputs and outputs.
Livestock is an important component of mixed farming system due to preference of meat in the diets of people in the region.
The area is known as meat consuming zone of India.
Livestock, especially pig and poultry, is a key livelihood among the farming rural families and provides food for consumption, sources of income and capital and socio-cultural needs.
All the North-eastern states (including Nagaland) are highly dependent on imports to meet their demand for eggs, fish, meat and milk.
Thus, the pig sector is undoubtedly of major importance for rural livelihoods and poverty alleviation both at household and the state levels.
In a study undertaken by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in 2007, the study revealed that there is an increasing demand for livestock products in the region.
These suggest that livestock rearing has been largely untapped and has the potential to improve the livelihoods among poor farmers in the region.
Twenty eight per cent of total pig population of India is found in the region.
Pig rearing is very promising in the region due to high demand for pig meat within the tribal people of the NE region.
Thus, the pig sector is undoubtedly of major importance for rural livelihoods and poverty alleviation.

Goat Farming of Animal Husbandry of Nagaland

Goat is known as ‘Poor man’s cow’ in India and is a very important component in dry land farming system.
Marginal or undulating lands unsuitable for other types of animals like cow or buffalo, goat is the best alternative.
With very low investments goat rearing can be made in to a profitable venture for small and marginal farmers.

Sheep farming of Animal Husbandry of Nagaland

Few countries in the world have no sheep.
They are found in tropical countries and in the arctic, in hot climates and in the cold, on the desert and in humid areas.
There are over 800 breeds of sheep in the world, in a variety of sizes, shapes, types and colours.
Sheep were domesticated long before the dawn of recorded history.
Wool fibres have been found in remains of primitive villages of Switzerland that date back an estimated 20000 years.
Egyptian sculpture dating 4000-5000 B.C. portrays the importance of this species to people.
Much mention is made in the Bible of flocks, shepherds, sacrificial lambs, and garments made of wool.
The Roman empire prized sheep, anointed them with special oils, and combed their fleece to produce fine quality fibres that were woven into fabric for the togas of the elite.
Perhaps the first ruminants domesticated by man along with goats, sheep are a very valuable and important asset to mankind.
Domesticated sheep : phylum Chordata (backbone), class Mammalia (suckle their young), order Artiodactyla (hooved, even-toed), family Bovidae(ruminants), genus Ovis (domestic and wild sheep), and species Ovisaries

Rabbit Farming of Animal Husbandry of Nagaland

Why Rabbit Farming?

With available small investment and in a small place rabbit farming gives more income
Rabbits eat ordinary feed and convert them into a protein rich high quality meat
Apart from meat production they can also be reared for hide and fur.

Rabbit Farming is for whom?

For landless farmers, uneducated youth and women, rabbit farming gives an additional income as a part time job

Advantages of Rabbit Farming

By rabbit rearing one can produce a quality protein rich meat for his own family
Rabbits can be fed with easily available leaves, waste vegetables, grains available in the home
Growth rate in broiler rabbits is very high. They attain 2 kgs at the age of three months
Litter size (Number of young ones born/ kindling) in rabbits is high (around 8-12)
When compared to the other meats rabbit meat contain high protein (21%) and less fat (8%). So this meat is suitable for all age groups from adults to children

PIG FARMING of Animal Husbandry of Nagaland

Advantages of pig rearing

Pigs convert inedible feeds, forages, certain grain byproducts obtained from mills, meat by products, damaged feeds and garbage into valuable nutritious meat. Most of these feeds are either not edible or not very palatable to human beings
Pig grows fast and is a prolific breeder, farrowing 10 to 12 piglets at a time. It is capable of producing two litters per year under optimal management conditions
The carcass return is quite high ie. 60-80 percent of live body weight
With a small investment on building and equipment, proper feeding and sound disease control programme the farmer can profitably utilize his time and labour in this subsidiary occupation
The faeces of pigs is used as a manure to maintain soil fertility

Pig farming- for whom?

Small and landless farmers
Part time earning for educated youth having agriculture as occupation
Uneducated / Unemployed youth
Farm women

Breeds of Animal Husbandry of Nagaland

The indigenous pig has been the basis used for pig production for a long period of time. It is small in size. Improved breeds are now being used for grading up the form the basis for pig production in the rural areas.

Veterinary & Department of Animal Husbandry of Nagaland Government

Animal Husbandry of Nagaland is a tradition with the Nagas and therefore, rearing of domestic animal such as Cattle, Mithun, Pig and Poultry birds play a significant role in the socio-economic development of the Nagas.

Thus, the great responsibility of Veterinary & A.H. Department lies with matters relating to Livestock and Poultry development, prevention of livestock diseases, Diary Development, Feed & Fodder Development including livestock statistics of the state.
In other words, the Veterinary & A.H. and Dairying sector also provides gainful self-employment opportunities to the ever-increasing Unemployment problems amongst the educated youths of the state to enable them to contribute family income.
This climatic condition of Nagaland is quite suitable for livestock rearing and for which rearing of livestock has been an integral part of Naga life from time immemorial and symbolic to the health and wealth of a Naga family.
The fact may be admitted that out of total Agricultural output value the contribution of livestock sector during 1997 at current prices is accounted for 9.40 percent only of the State Gross Domestic Products (GDP).
In order to accelerate livestock industry during the 10th Five year Plan the focus of the department would be further intensified through appropriate techniques of breeding, feeding, health coverage and production oriented management programme in the coming years

Scheduled tribes of Nagaland

Scheduled tribes of Nagaland

Angami Naga

The Angamis are a major Naga ethnic group native to the state of Nagaland in North-East India. They are listed as a Scheduled Tribe, in the 5th schedule of the Indian Constitution. They are known for the Sekrenyi celebrations every February. The Angami Nagas are settled in Kohima District and Dimapur District.

The Angami Nagas are hill people depending basically on cultivation and livestock-rearing. The Angamis are known for terraced wet-rice cultivation; because of this labor-intensive cultivation, land is the most important form of property among them. They are one of the only two groups of Nagas out of the seventeen who practice wet-rice cultivation on terraces made on the hill slopes. This allows them to cultivate the same plot year after year. They depend, to a very small extent, on slash-and-burn cultivation.

Ao Naga

The Aos are one of the major Naga tribes of Nagaland, Northeast India. They were the first Naga tribe to embrace Christianity and by virtue of this development the Aos availed themselves to Western education that came along with Christianity . In the process the Aos became the pioneering tribe among the Nagas in many fields. Christianity first entered into the Ao territory when an American Baptist missionary, Edwin W. Clark, reached an Ao village called Molungkimong in 1872. Their main territory is from Tsula (Dikhu) Valley in the east to Tsurang (Disai) Valley in the west in Mokokchung district. They are well known for multiple harvest festivals held each year.

Chang Naga

Chang is a Naga of Nagaland, India. It is one of the recognized Scheduled Tribes. The tribe was also known as Mazung in British India. Other Naga tribes know the Changs by different names including Changhai (Khiamniungan), Changru (Yimchunger), Duenching (upper Konyak), Machungrr (Ao), Mochumi (Sema) and Mojung (Konyak).

According to oral tradition, the Changs emerged from a place called Changsangmongko, and later settled at Changsang. The word Chang is said to have been derived the word chognu (banyan tree), after a mythical banyan tree that grew at the now-abandoned Changsang. Another theory says that the Chang migrated to present-day Nagaland from the east, and therefore call themselves Chang (“Eastern” in the local dialect). Some Changs also claim the Aos as their ancestors.[5] The Chang folklore is similar to that of the Ao.

Khiamniungan people

Khiamniungan is one of the major Naga tribes, mainly found in the Noklak district of Nagaland, India and the adjoining areas of Burma.Khiamniungan which literally translates to source of great waters.[citation needed] They were also called Kalyo-Kenyu (“slate-house dwellers”) during the British Raj.

Lotha Naga

Lotha is the name of a major Naga tribe inhabiting the Wokha district of Nagaland.

Wokha is the traditional home of the Lotha tribe. Lothas are renowned for their colorful dances and folk songs. The male members wear shawls indicating their social status. The prestigious social shawl for women is Opvuram and Longpensu for men. Like many Nagas, the Lothas practiced headhunting in the older days. After the arrival of Christianity, they gave up this practice. Though the majority of the Lothas are Baptist, there exist a moderate amount of other forms of Christianity like the Catholics. Catholics are concentrated more in Wokha than in other parts of Nagaland. Tokhu Emong and Pikhuchak are the main festivals celebrated amidst much pomp and splendor. Tokhu Emong is celebrated on November 7.

The Tokhü Emong is the harvest festival of the Lothas. With the harvest done and the granaries full, the people now take a respite from the toils and sweat and settle down to enjoy the fruits of one’s hard labour.

Sangtam Naga

The Sangtams are a Naga tribe living in the Tuensang and Kiphire districts of Nagaland. Like many other tribal groups in Northeast India, they practice jhum, or shifting cultivation. Unlike other Naga tribes in Nagaland, many of the Sangtam have retained their traditional beliefs in spite of embracing Christianity at the same time. Sangtams celebrate twelve different festivals, in particular Mongmong, all of which are affiliated with their traditional culture and religion.

Sumi Naga

The ‘Sumi Naga’ is one of the major Naga peoples in Nagaland, India. The Sumis mainly inhabit Zunheboto district, although many have spread and are now living in a few more districts within Nagaland. Sumi Naga tribe practiced kiti-do and were headhunters as every other Naga tribe. The Sumis practised headhunting like other Naga peoples before the arrival of the Christian missionaries and their subsequent conversion to Christianity. Anthropological study of the Sumis is documented in the book The Sema Nagas by J. H. Hutton, who was a Professor of Social Anthropology in the University of Cambridge. The Sumi is one of the recognised scheduled tribes of India.

Minerals in Nagaland

Minerals in Nagaland

According to the base document of the 8th CGPB committee on geology and mineral resources, Ministry of Mines, Nagaland has her biggest limestone deposit at Nimi in Tuensang district. The thickness of limestone varies from 9 m to 120m. The geology and mining department of Nagaland has established a reserve of 111.07 million tones, the document said. The limestone here is suitable for cement / paper / pulp industry.

Likewise, there is a fairly large deposit of magnetite near Pokphur village in Tuensang district. “It has gained more significance because of its high content of Ni and (0.63% and 0.09% respectively). Total reserves of magnetite are 2.95 mt which lies in two blocks, one investigated by DGM, Nagaland (1.62 mt) and the other by the GSI (1.33 mt),”

Coal is one of the biggest mineral resources Nagaland has. Tertiary coal has been found in Borjan in Mon district, according to the board. The geological Survey of India and the state’s department has established a reserve of 59 million tonnes of coal in total, the document says. Coal is also found in Mokokchung and Tuensang. Further, according to the document Nagaland has an estimated 5 million tonnes of cobalt, 5, 280 tonnes of iron ore and nickel ore at around 5 million tonnes. Coal resources are at about 293.47 million tonnes, the board’s outline stated.

There is a possibility of deposits of precious metals such as gold and platinum groups in southeast Nagaland, in Phek, Kiphire and Tuensang districts besides rich deposits of varieties of decorative and dimensional stones and other associated metals such as zinc and molybdenum.

Irrigation and hydro power in Nagaland

Irrigation and hydro power in Nagaland

Irrigation

Major & Medium Irrigation

Till today, there is not a single project under Major & Medium Irrigation. However, the department has conducted survey works and identified a few areas where Medium Irrigation schemes construction are feasible. It is the endeavor of the Department to seek funding agency to get section and implement at least one of such scheme for the benefit of the larger farming community.

Minor Irrigation

This type of scheme is commonly implemented throughout the length and breadth of the State. It is generally suitable in the state of Terraced Rice cultivation (TRC) Vegetable cultivation both during Kharif and Rabi season. In this type of Irrigation water is diverted and carried by a channel to the command areas. Wherever such diversion of flow of water is not possible, lift irrigation and source of ground water provided. Since the nature of work is private and individuals oriented, the minor irrigation are implemented through water Users Associations and payments are made as per works executed under the technical supervision of the department and finally handed over to WUA’s for their future maintenance.

Hydro power projects in Nagaland

The history of electricity in Nagaland is uninspiring. Plagued by consistent power shortages since its inception, the issue to this day remains a political card played only during the time of elections. Minimalistic implementation of the various power projects and the inability to expand and build on its current capacities is evidence of the lack of political vision acting directly against the social and economic interests of the citizens. Absence of effective economic and public policy, inefficient administration of energy, misplaced priorities and the reality of political corruption being the detrimental factors.

Doyang Hydro Project

Located in the district of Wokha in the state of Nagaland, Doyang Hydro Project is one of the most popular tourist attractions. People who have visited Doyang Hydro Project, have given positive feedback about the place being beautiful. Birds migrate from north to south when spring approaches and settle down at Doyang Hydro Project area for a little break during their long migratory journey. The project began during the late 1980s and ended in the year 2000. Owing to the locale of the project with the mighty Doyang River flowing, Doyang Hydro Project is a benchmark tourism spot. With many wild animals like monkeys, snakes, etc, living nearby in the forest, this place is a marvellous place to be at with a panoramic view of several villages of Wokha and Mokokchung District.

Soils of Nagaland for Nagaland PSC

Soils of Nagaland

Nagaland consists of a narrow strip of hilly country running North-east to South-west and facing the Assam plains to its North and North-west.
The Barail range enters the state at the South- west corner and runs in a North-easterly direction almost up to Kohima.
Near Kohima the Barail range merges with the mountain ranges which have extended to Manipur and the main range assumes a much more northerly trend.
This range is considerably higher than the Barail, with peaks like Saramati (3826.15 m) and Mataung Kien (3420 m) at its extreme east.
Between Mao and Kohima, there are several very high peaks including Japvo.
North of Kohima the main range declines in height, and as far north as Mokokchung district, the Japukong range attains an average elevation of 750m.
In general, 94% area falls under hilly and rugged terrain and only 6% land is plain, especially those bordering Assam plains along western boundary of the state.
The State has a rolling landscape with low hills covered with very dense vegetation
The Soils of Nagaland belong to 4 orders, 7 sub-orders, 10 great groups, 14 sub groups and 72 soil families.
The 4 orders found in Soils of Nagaland are

Alfisols
Entisols
Inceptisols
Ultisols

Inceptisols dominate the soils of the State with 66% followed by Ultisols 23.8%, Entisols 7.3% and Alfisols 2.9% of the total 16.6 million Hectares of the State Geographical area.

ALFISOLS of Soils of Nagaland

Alfisols are base-rich mineral soils of sub-humid and humid region.
They have light coloured surface horizon over a clay enriched sub –surface horizon that is rich in exchangeable cations with base saturation of more than 35%.
This type of soil order is found on the western flank of the State bordering Assam.
They are deep and well drained of fine to fine loamy texture.
They have a clay-enriched subsoil and relatively high native fertility.
“Alf” refers to aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe).
Because of their productivity and abundance, the Alfisols represent one of the more important soil orders for food and fiber productio
Common families of Alfisols which have been identified in Nagaland are :

Fine Typic Kanhapludalfs
Fine Loamy Typic Paleudalfs

ENTISOLS of Soils of Nagaland

They are recently developed, mineral soils with no diagnostic horizon.
This is because either of limiting time available for development or because of exceedingly unfavourable conditions.
In USDA soil taxonomy, entisols are defined as soils that do not show any profile development other than an A horizon.
An entisol has no diagnostic horizons, and most are basically unaltered from their parent material, which can be unconsolidated sediment or rock.
This soil order is found in the Western and North Western part of the State on the low hill slope and narrow river valleys.
They are moderately to deep, well drained, fine to fine loamy textured soils.
Families which have been identified under this orders are :-

Fine-loamy typic Udifluvents
Fine-loamy typic Udorthents
Coarse-loamy typic Udorthents
Fine-loamy Lithic Udorthents
Coarse loamy Lithic Udorthents

INCEPTISOLS of Soils of Nagaland

This soil order represents beginning stage of soil formation which belong to that of Entisols but still short of the degree of development found in Alfisols.
They may have some accumulation of clay in the sub-surface horizon, limiting in depth, organic matter content, and base saturation.
Although not found under aridic climate regimes, Inceptisols nevertheless are widely distributed and occur across a wide range of ecological settings
This soil dominates the entire State having fine loamy, fine clay, clay loam etc.
The identified families under this order are:

Fine- loamy Umbric Dystrochrepts
Fine loamy typic Dystrochrepts
Fine Umbric Dystrochrepts
Loamy , skeletal Umbric Dystrochrepts
Fine typic Dystrochrepts
Loamy-skeletal typic Dystrochrepts
Clayey-skeletal Umbric Dystrochrepts
Loamy-skeletal Pachic Haplumbrepts
Fine Pachic Haplumbrepts
Fine-loamy typic Haplumbrepts
Clayey-skeletal Pachic Haplumbrepts
Fine loamy Pachic Haplumbrepts
Fine-loamy Dystric Eutrochrepts
Coarse loamy typic Dystrocrepts
Loamy skeletal typic Dystrocrepts
Loamy skeletal Dystric Eutrocrepts

ULTISOLS of Soils of Nagaland

The Ultisols are similar with Alfisols, except for having low base saturation on the exchange complex due to advance stage at weathering.
These are base-poor mineral soils of humid region developed under high rainfall and forest vegetation.
The high acidity and relatively low quantities of plant-available Ca, Mg, and K associated with most Ultisols make them poorly suited for continuous agriculture without the use of fertilizer and lime
They are characterized by low, less than 35% base saturation and clay enriched sub-surface horizon.
This soil is sparely scattered in all parts of the State having fine loam, clay loam and clayey texture.
Well to excessively drained with moderate to deep soils. The families under this order which have been identified so far are :
1. Fine Humic Hapludults
2. Fine Typic Paleudults
3. Fine Typic Haplohumults
4. Fine Loamy Typic Hapludults

Industrial development in Nagaland

Industrial development in Nagaland

The development industry in Nagaland has provided an impetus to the economic growth of this north eastern state of India. The proliferation of large scale and medium scale industries has helped to raise the standard of living of the local inhabitants of Nagaland.

Between 2011-12 and 2016-17, Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) expanded at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.61 per cent to US$ 3.28 billion whereas the Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) expanded at a CAGR of 8.94 per cent to US$ 2.90 billion between 2005-06 and 2015-16. Agriculture accounts for a significant share in Nagaland’s economy. It contributed 28.42 per cent to the state’s total GSDP during 2016-17. Around 72 per cent of the population is engaged in the agriculture sector.

As of January 2018, Nagaland had total installed power generation capacity of 154.87 MW, of which 123.70 MW was under central sector and 30.67 MW was under state utilities. Of the total installed power generation capacity, 70.33 MW was contributed by thermal, 53.37 MW by hydro and 31.17 MW by renewable energy. As of August 2017, all villages in the state had electricity supply.

The state has considerable resources of natural minerals, petroleum and hydropower. Nagaland has around 600 million metric tonnes (MT) of crude oil and more than 20 million tonnes (MT) of hydrocarbon reserves, which are unexploited. Moreover, the state has 315 MT of coal reserves and 1,038 MT of limestone reserves. Nagaland’s estimated hydropower generation potential is 1,574 megawatt (MW), while the installed capacity is 53.37 MW as of January 2018, presenting huge investment opportunities.

Promoted by NIDC, the Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP) at Dimapur has received formal approval as a special economic zone (SEZ) for agro and food processing. A proposed multi-product SEZ spread across 400 hectares in Dimapur has received formal approval.

The following are some of the major initiatives taken by the government to promote Nagaland as an investment destination:

In 2017-18 state budget, US$ 61.99 million was allocated by the state government for the development of roads and bridges in Nagaland.
During the 2017-18 budget, the government proposed to allocate US$ 95.76 million for medical and public health in the state.
In April 2017, the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) has approved the State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) for Nagaland for the period of 2017 – 2020. The plans are estimated to cost around US$ 6.69 million under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
The state provides institutional support through various central and state government agencies viz., North East Council, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and Nagaland Industrial Development Council.
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has included 12 villages in Nagaland under the rural tourism scheme in order to promote traditional rural art, craft, textile and culture.
The state has established various Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) industrial clusters, mainly in Kohima, Wokha and Mokokchung districts.
The state government has proposed an outlay of around US$ 88.92 million for agriculture and allied sectors development during the state budget 2017-18.
To exploit the huge potential of hydropower generation in the villages, the New and Renewable Energy Department of the Government of Nagaland has identified 21 feasible sites for hydro projects at the micro and mini levels.
An Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) has been developed in Ganeshnagar near Dimapur. It has supporting infrastructure such as water supply systems, banks, post offices, police stations, etc.

Population of Nagaland

Population of Nagaland

The population of Nagaland consists of almost two million people, of which 1.04 million are males and 0.95 million females. Among its districts, Dimapur has the largest population (379,769), followed by Kohima (270,063). The least populated district is Longleng (50,593). 75% of the population lives in the rural areas. As of 2013, about 10% of rural population is below the poverty line; among the people living in urban areas 4.3% of them are below the poverty line.

As per the Census 2011 out of total population of Nagaland, 28.86% people lived in urban regions while 71.14% in rural areas. The total figure of population of urban population was 570,966 out of which 299,177 were males while remaining 271,789 were females. In rural areas of Nagaland, male population was 725,472 while female population was 682,064. The average sex ratio in urban regions of Nagaland was 908 females per 1000 males. Also the Child (0-6 age) sex ration of urban areas in Nagaland was 973 girls per 1000 boys. Thus the total children (0-6 age) living in urban areas of Nagaland were 73,589 which is 12.89% of total urban population. Similarly the average sex ratio in rural areas of Nagaland was 940 females per 1000 males. The Child sex ratio of rural areas in Nagaland was 933 girls per 1000 boys.

The average literacy rate in Nagaland for urban regions was 89.62 percent in which males were 91.62% literate while female literacy stood at 87.4%. The total literate population of Nagaland was 1,342,434. Similarly in rural areas of Nagaland, the average literacy rate was 75.35 percent. Out of which literacy rate of males and females stood at 78.96% and 71.51% respectively. Total literates in rural areas of Nagaland were 896,663.

Nagaland: Geographical location

Nagaland: Geographical location

Located in the north eastern region of India, the state of Nagaland shares the international border with the country of Myanmar. The state lies between the geographical coordinates of 25°6′ and 27°4′ North latitudes and 93°20′ and 95°15′ East longitude. The state is home to 16 different tribes, each of whom have their distinct customs, attires, languages and dialect.

The state of Nagaland enjoys a salubrious climate. The torrential monsoon rains are an integral feature of the state’s weather. The maximum average temperature recorded in summer is 31 degree Celsius while the minimum is as low as 4 degrees Celsius in winter. Some regions in the state are subject to frost in winters. The state records an average annual rainfall of 2000mm-2500mm.

The state of Nagaland is drained by four chief rivers of Doyang, Jhanji, Dhansiri and Dikhu. The rivers are the tributaries of the mighty Brahmaputra River with their sources in the mountain ranges of the state. 20 percent of the total land area of the state is covered with wooded forest, rich in flora and fauna. The evergreen tropical and the sub tropical forests are found in strategic pockets in the state of Nagaland.

As far as physiographic aspect of Nagaland is concerned, it lies in the Purvanchal region of Indian sub-continent. It is a ranges of eastern Himalayan mountain system that radiating from north to south. Nagaland comprises of Naga Hills and Patkai boom of the purvanchal ranges. As we focus on the whole of Nagaland, the altitude of the landscape is ascending from west to east. The altitude of Mon in the north east of Nagaland is 898m and Dimapur in the southwest is 260m are lower in height compare to Phek in the southeast 1524m and Noklak 1524m,Shamatore 1692m and Saramati 3840m in the extreme east and Wakching 1031m in the northeast of Nagaland. So it shows that the eastern part of Nagaland is comparatively higher in altitude than western part of Nagaland.

Relief and structure of Nagaland

Nagaland is largely a mountainous state. The Naga Hills rise from the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam to about 610 metres (2,000 ft) and rise further to the southeast, as high as 1,800 metres (6,000 ft). Mount Saramati at an elevation of 3,841.00 metres (12,601.70 ft) is the state’s highest peak; this is where the Naga Hills merge with the Patkai Range in which form the boundary with Burma. Rivers such as the Doyang and Diphu to the north, the Barak river in the southwest, dissect the entire state. 20 percent of the total land area of the state is covered with wooded forest, a haven for flora and fauna. The evergreen tropical and the sub tropical forests are found in strategic pockets in the state.

Topographically, the landscape of Nagaland can be divided into three divisions:

The foothills of the west

These ranges of foothills are characterized by undulating with gentle slopes. The important feature of this area is that, the river valleys of wider area are identified here. The important places with their altitude are Dimapur 260m, Medziphema 305m, Baghty 305m, Changtongya 954m, Mangkolemba 914m, Tuli 315m and Mon 898m. The river valleys of this region are in the rivers of Dhansari, lower course of Doyang, lower course of Milak and Dikhu. This region is ranging from the lowest altitude of 260m in Dimapur to the highest of 954min Changtongya area of Mokokchung district. It lies as the north – south ranges with several ribs of hills from Mon area to Dimapur area. The altitude of this range is ascending from south to north.

The lower range of the middle Nagaland

This range lies from 1000m – 1500m above main sea level which characterized by moderate degree of slopes with intensified ribs of ranges compare to the foothills range. Deepening of river beds with steep sided banks is also another characteristic of this region. Landslides are also important feature of this region and landforms are mostly of youth stage. This region is ascending from north to south in terms of altitude above main sea level. This is being justified as that Wakching area has an altitude of 1031m and Longleng 1067m, in the north, Mokokchung 1326m, Tuensang 1372m and Wokha 1314m in the middle and again raised at Tseminyu 1422m and Kohima area 1444m in the south. So it is found that this region is ascending in altitude from north to south.

High hills and mountainous region

This region runs north-south stretch with bulge of hills in the middle ranging from 1500m and above. The altitude of Noklak 1524m in the north, Longkhim 1672m, Shamator 1692m and Zunheboto 1874m within the middle, saramati 3837m, Phek 1524m, Pfutseru 2134m, Kikruma 1643m and Japfu 3015m in the south and southeastern shows the picture of its physiograpy. The south and southeastern part of this region is comparatively higher in altitude than the northern part of the region. This region is characterized by highly dissected slopes and v shaped valleys of seasonal and perennial streams. The waterfalls and rapids are important feature of this region. The hill top of this region is characterized by the presence of spotted hills on it. The slope degrees of this region are steep and the ribs of ranges are intensified.