Nagaland geography

Minerals in Nagaland

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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.

Vegetation of Nagaland

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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

 

 

 

Soils of Nagaland for Nagaland PSC

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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.Soils of Nagaland
  • 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
  1. Alfisols
  2. Entisols
  3. Inceptisols
  4. 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 :
  1. Fine Typic Kanhapludalfs
  2. 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 :-
  1. Fine-loamy typic Udifluvents
  2. Fine-loamy typic Udorthents
  3. Coarse-loamy typic Udorthents
  4. Fine-loamy Lithic Udorthents
  5. 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:
  1. Fine- loamy Umbric Dystrochrepts
  2. Fine loamy typic Dystrochrepts
  3. Fine Umbric Dystrochrepts
  4. Loamy , skeletal Umbric Dystrochrepts
  5. Fine typic Dystrochrepts
  6. Loamy-skeletal typic Dystrochrepts
  7. Clayey-skeletal Umbric Dystrochrepts
  8. Loamy-skeletal Pachic Haplumbrepts
  9. Fine Pachic Haplumbrepts
  10. Fine-loamy typic Haplumbrepts
  11. Clayey-skeletal Pachic Haplumbrepts
  12. Fine loamy Pachic Haplumbrepts
  13. Fine-loamy Dystric Eutrochrepts
  14. Coarse loamy typic Dystrocrepts
  15. Loamy skeletal typic Dystrocrepts
  16. 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

River and drainage system of Nagaland

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River and drainage system of Nagaland

  • Nagaland, the smallest hilly state situated at the extreme north-eastern 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.
  • The major rivers of Nagaland are Doyang, Dikhu, Dhansiri, Tizu, Tsurong, Nanung, Tsurang or Disai, Tsumok, Menung, Dzu, Langlong, Zunki, Likimro, Lanye, Dzuza and Manglu.
  • All these rivers are dendritic in nature.
  • As a river flows, it carries along material or debris, called its load.
  • A river’s load includes rocks, stones and other large particles, which are washed along the river bed.  Finer particles float in the water.
  • A river grows larger as it collects water from more tributaries along its course. The river ends at a mouth.
  • In larger rivers there is often also a wider floodplain shaped by flood waters over-topping the channel.
  • Floodplains may be very wide in relation to the size of the river channel.
  • Nagaland is dissected by a number of seasonal and perennial rivers and rivulets.
  • Of the rivers, Dhansiri, Doyang and Dikhu flow westward into the Brahmaputra.
  • The Tizu River, on the other hand, flows towards east and joins the Chindwin River in Burma.

DOYANG

  • It is the longest river in the state originating from the Japfü Hill near the Southern slope of Mao in Manipur and moves in a south west direction passing througRiver and drainage system of Nagalandh Kohima district and flows northward into Zunheboto and Wokha District.
  • It passes through a great part of Wokha District and flows south westerly into Dhansiri in Sibsagar, District of Assam.
  • The main tributaries of Doyang are Chubi River which flows southward from Mokokchung District and Nzhu River, originating from Nerhema area of Kohima district and flows through Miphong in Tseminyu area and finally pours itself to Doyang.

DIKHU

  • River Dikhu, which has a total length of about 160 km, originates from Nuroto Hill area in Zunheboto district.
  • The river traverses towards north along the border of Mokokchung and Tuensang districts.
  • The main tributaries of river Dikhu are Yangyu of Tuensang district and Nanung in the Langpangkong range in Mokokchung district.
  • The river flows further northward and leaves the hill near Naginimora and finally merges with the Brahmaputra River in the plains of Assam.

DHANSIRI

  • Dhansiri flows through the southwestern part of the state through Rangapahar-Dimapur Plains of Dimapur District.
  • This river receives almost all the western and southern drainages of Nagaland.
  • Its main tributaries are river Dzuza and Diphu.
  • At the extreme southwest of the state, it assumes a northwardly course forming a natural boundary with North Cachar Hills of Assam which finally drains into the Brahmaputra.

TIZU

  • The Tizu River forms an important drainage system in the eastern part of the state.
  • It originates from the central part of the state and runs through a northeast direction flows through Zunheboto, Phek district and empties itself in the Chindwin River of Myanmar.
  • The main tributaries of River Tizu are river Zunki, Lanye and Likimro.

MILAK

  • Milak is another important river which flows through Mokokchung District.
  • One of its main tributary is Tsurong.

ZUNGKI

  • The Zunki River which is the biggest tributary of Tizu, starts from the northeastern part of Changdong forest in the south of Teku and flows in southernly direction towards Noklak, Shamator and Kiphire and finally joins Tizu below Kiphire.

River and drainage system of Nagaland

Drainage systems, also known as river systems, are the patterns formed by the streams, rivers, and lakes in a particular drainage basin. They are governed by the topography of the land, whether a particular region is dominated by hard or soft rocks, and the gradient of the land.

  • River is the biggest source of water.
  • Rivers provide water to drink, irrigation, electricity, cook, clean things and easy & cheap transportation.
  • It is also a source of fresh water that flowing naturally towards an ocean, lake, sea or another river.
  • Rivers flow in channels.
  • The bottom of channel is called the bed and sides of the channel are called the banks.
  • Sometimes a river flows into the ground and becomes dry at the end of its course without reaching another body of water.
  • Rivers begin at their source in higher ground such as mountains or hills, where rain water or melting snow collects and forms tiny streams.
  • When one stream meets another and they merge together, the smaller steam is known as a tributary.
  • It takes many tributary streams to form a river.

 

 

Climate of Nagaland for Nagaland PSC

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Climate of Nagaland

  • Nagaland, the 16th State of the Indian Union, came into being on 1st. December, 1963.
  • Nagaland with a geographical area of about 16,579 Sq. Km. lies between 25°60‟ and 27°40‟ North latitude and 93°20‟ and 95°15‟ East longitude.
  • The state is bounded by Assam in the North and West, by Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh in the East and by Manipur in the South.
  • Nagaland, being one of the “eight Sisters” commonly called as the North-Eastern Region including Sikkim*, is a land of lush green forests, rolling mountains, enchanting valleys, swift flowing streams and of beautiful landscape.

Temperature and Rainfall Aspects of Climate of Nagaland

  • Climate of Nagaland has a monsoon climate. The state enjoys a salubrious climate. Annual rainfall ranges around 70–100 inches (1,800–2,500 mm), concentrated in the months of May to September.
  • Temperatures range from 70°F (21°C) to 104°F (40°C). In winter, temperatures do not generally drop below 39°F (4 °C), but frost is common at high elevations.
  • Summer is the shortest season in the state that lasts only for a few months.
  • The temperature during the summer season remains between 16°C (61°F) to 31°C (88 °F). Winter makes an early arrival and bitter cold and dry weather strikes certain regions of the state.
  • The maximum average temperature recorded in the winter season is 24°C (75°F).
  • Strong north-west winds blow across the state during the months of February and March.
  • The Climate of Nagaland in general is controlled by its terrain features.
  • It is hot to warm subtropical in areas with elevations of 1000 to 1200 m.
  • The Climate of Nagaland environment is warm sub temperate in areas with elevations of 1200 m and above.
  • The Climate of Nagaland as such is typical of a tropical country with heavy rainfall. Most of the heavy rainfall occurs during four months i.e. June to September.
  • The rain during April to May is low.
  • The temperature varies from 0°C in winter to about 40°C in summer depending on elevation.
  • The average annual temperature ranges from 18°C to 20°C and 23°C to 25°C in the higher and lower elevations, respectively.

Classification of Climate of Nagaland based on Koppen-Geiger

Classification Count Köppen-Geiger Examples
Humid subtropical climate 47 Cwa Kohima, Mon, Wakching, Longching,

Longleng
Subtropical highland oceanic climate 11 Cwb Tuensang, Chintang, Saddle, Shamator, Zunheboto,Fakim
Humid subtropical climate 5 Cfa Dimapur, Naganimora, Naginimora, Barjan, Tuli

 

Agro-Climatic Zone of Climate of Nagaland

  • The Climate of Nagaland to a large extent is controlled by its undulating topographical terrain features.
  • It is hot to warm sub-tropical in area with elevation of 1000-1200m above MSL.
  • The foothill plains, sheltered valleys and the ranges are marked with climatic contrasts.
  • The year is divided into four seasons viz.,
  1. Winter (December-February),Climate of Nagaland
  2. Pre-monsoon (March-April),
  • Monsoon (May-September)
  1. Retreating monsoon (October-November).
  • The beginning of winter is marked by a steep fall in temperature during December. January is the coldest month.
  • In February the temperature starts rising gradually.
  • The winter winds are generally weak and variable.
  • The average annual temperature ranges from 18°C-20°C to 23°C-25°C respectively in the higher and lower elevation.
  • The monsoon lasts for five months from May to September with June, July and August being the wettest months.
  • The following agro-climatic zones in Nagaland are divided into four zones:
  1. Hot per-humid climate
  2. Hot moist sub-humid climate
  • Warm humid climate
  1. Warm per-humid climate

Climate Change aspect of Climate of Nagaland

  • Climate Change has emerged as one of the most serious environmental and socio-economic concerns of our times.
  • It is a global phenomenon with diverse local impacts likely to alter the distribution and quality of our natural resources and adversely affect the livelihood of the people specially the poor and marginalized communities.
  • In 1992, India adopted the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, global initiative to combat climate change.
  • Article 3 of the UNFCCC states that “parties should protect the climate system for the benefit of future and present generations of human kind on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities.”
  • A latecomer into the nation’s development process and with a per capita Green House Gas emission barely a fraction of the national average and the magnitude much below that of other industralised states of the country, the state’s economy is closely linked to its natural resource base and climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and forestry.
  • Hence, the state faces an increased risk of the negative impacts of climate change.
  • The state would therefore adopt a climate friendly, equity based and sustainable developmental path taking into account our “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities”, and our regional development priorities, objectives and circumstances.
  • A State Action Plan on Climate Change would be prepared within the ambit of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) albeit with modifications that suits the specific requirements of the state.
  • A climate change cell should be set up to coordinate the gathering of information, conduct research and offer solutions to the problems with regard to food security, change in rainfall patterns etc.
  • Climate change initiatives to be started with the cooperation of the civil society at large to achieve:
  1. Energy efficiency.
  2. Harness renewable energy sources.
  3. Adaptive management in agriculture.
  4. Promote climate friendly technologies.
  5. Launch campaign on 3Rs-recycle, reduce, reuse

Animal Husbandry of Nagaland

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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 inAnimal Husbandry of Nagalandcome
  • 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

Agriculture of Nagaland

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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)
  1. Sub Alpine temperate zone (1500-3500m MSL)
  2. Sub tropical Hill Zone (1000-1500m MSL)
  3. Sub tropical Plain zone (400-1000m MSL)
  4. 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:

  1. Paddy- Mustard
  2. Paddy- maize
  3. Paddy- linseed
  4. Maize – Black gram
  5. Soybean –fallow
  6. Paddy-cabbage
  7. Maize- winter vegetables
  8. Cucurbits – winter vegetables
  9. Paddy –fallow
  10. Maize –fallow
  11. Ginger –fallow

Crop Sequences:

  1. Paddy followed by Mustard
  2. Paddy followed by maize
  3. Paddy followed by linseed
  4. Maize followed by Black gram
  5. Soybean followed by fallow
  6. Paddy followed by cabbage
  7. Maize followed by winter vegetables
  8. Cucurbits followed by winter vegetables
  9. Paddy mono crop
  10. Maize mono crop
  11. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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..
  6. 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.
  7. 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