“Nagaland Hosts 1st-Ever Mango Festival to Promote Local Farming and Agri-Entrepreneurship”- Nagaland agriculture news

Nagaland agriculture news | First mango festival in Nagaland

Nagaland celebrated a landmark event this month — its first-ever Mango Festival, a vibrant initiative aimed at showcasing the state’s mango growers and promoting agri-entrepreneurship among tribal farmers. Held in [insert town/city, e.g., Dimapur or Kohima if known], the festival attracted farmers, government officials, agri-startups, and food entrepreneurs from across the Northeast. Mango cultivation in Northeast India makes an remarkable entry with potential exports to ASEAN country.

Organized by the State Department of Horticulture, in collaboration with local farmers’ groups and self-help organizations, the event sought to promote indigenous mango varieties, improve marketing linkages, and encourage youth involvement in value-added agri-businesses.

Unlike larger mango festivals in states like Uttar Pradesh or Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland’s version focused on community-led production, natural farming, and tribal-grown mangoes with unique taste profiles. Visitors had a chance to witness the Mango cultivation in Northeast India:

Sample organic mango varieties grown in hill districts

Interact with mango growers and agri-tech startups

Learn about processing and packaging for small businesses

Explore opportunities in mango-based products like pickles, jams, and dried fruit

Mango Cultivation in Nagaland

DistrictFeatures
DimapurLeading mango-producing district due to flat plains and warmer climate
MokokchungSuitable for mixed horticulture including mangoes in lower elevations
WokhaKnown for fertile valleys and FPO-based fruit farming initiatives
PerenIncreasing mango cultivation along with pineapple and banana
MonSome pockets suitable for mango under organic tribal farming practices
ZunhebotoEmerging district with government focus on expanding fruit orchards

Mango cultivation in Northeast India

“This is the first time our mangoes have received this level of attention. It motivates us to expand and brand our farms,”
says Lentina Jamir, a second-generation mango farmer from Mokokchung.

“We’ve sold more here in one day than we usually do in a whole week at local markets,”
adds another grower, highlighting the impact of such exposure.

Event has been widely covered in local and national media. Northeast Today writes “Nagaland: First-Ever Mango Festival Celebrated In Longmatra, Kiphire” similarly

You may watch the glimpses of the event. Indian Council of Agricultural Research has its center ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre has been emphasizing on the Mango cultivation in Northeast India as well as horticulture based agriculture for boosting farmers income and improving rural livelihood. Recently ICAR celebrated its 97th Foundation day and boasted for the horticulture products led growth in the agriculture sector. Event of these kinds boosts the moral of local farmers and producers and scintillates the rays of hope for cooperative economic development in the region.

nagaland mango festival 1
In a boost to local agriculture and entrepreneurship, the first-ever Mango Festival was celebrated at Longmatra in Kiphire district on July 19, with MLA and Advisor S Kiusumew Yimchunger gracing the occasion as Special Guest.

Based on the overwhelming success, the state is now considering making the Mango Festival an annual event, possibly rotating across districts. There’s also a push to develop:

  • Cold storage and transport systems for fruit logistics
  • Training centers for mango processing
  • Tie-ups with retailers and exporters to push Nagaland’s mangoes into national markets

This Mango Festival is more than just a celebration of fruit — it’s a bold step toward agricultural self-reliance, farmer empowerment, and local brand building in Nagaland. KrishiShutra congratulates all stakeholders and encourages similar festivals in other regions to spotlight local crops and boost grassroots agri-entrepreneurship.

Lot of events were organized in the festival. One such events got attention of national as well as the local media is the Mango eating competition. Details you may watch in the video.

Interestingly most of the mango varieties grown in Nagaland are same which are widely grown in other parts of the country. below table gives you an idea of mango varieties.

Variety NameTypeKey Features & Notes
DashehariTable & juicePopular North Indian variety; thrives well in Dimapur and Wokha; early-season fruit
LangraTable mangoKnown for its aromatic pulp and medium size; cultivated in Mokokchung & Peren
HimsagarDessert varietyA West Bengal-origin variety; sweet, fiberless pulp; tested successfully in Mon
AmrapaliHybrid (Dashehari × Neelum)Dwarf variety; suitable for high-density orchards in small landholdings
NeelumMulti-climateLate-season variety with extended shelf life; fits mixed orchards
BanganapalliPremium tableYellow-fleshed, large-sized mango; now gaining popularity in commercial orchards
TotapuriProcessing gradeGrown mainly for pulp and pickles; tolerant to rainfall and moisture variations
MallikaHybrid (Neelum × Dashehari)Fiberless, sweet, disease-resistant; promoted by horticulture dept in pilot farms

Amrapali and Mallika are being promoted under high-density planting programs by the Department of Horticulture.

Farmers in Dimapur, Wokha, and Mokokchung have received support to grow Totapuri and Banganapalli under cluster-based fruit farming models.

Organic mango farming is practiced in tribal pockets, especially in Zunheboto and Peren, often without synthetic inputs.

Nagaland’s mangoes are known for their natural sweetness, unique aroma, and chemical-free production, making them ideal for direct sales and niche markets.

Thus, The first-ever Mango Festival in Nagaland marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward agricultural self-reliance and farmer-led innovation. By bringing together local mango growers, agri-entrepreneurs, government bodies, and consumers on a single platform, the festival not only celebrated the fruit but also spotlighted the potential of Nagaland’s horticulture sector. With its focus on indigenous varieties, sustainable farming, and rural entrepreneurship, the event has sown the seeds for a stronger, more inclusive agri-economy. If nurtured with consistent support, such festivals can transform the narrative of farming in the Northeast — from subsistence to success.

Recruitment Alert: IIPA Announces 25+ Vacancies for Research, Consulting, and Design Roles – July 2025

Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, has announced multiple short-term vacancies across various national-level projects. The positions span research, consulting, graphic design, and project management, offering opportunities for professionals passionate about public policy, governance, digital initiatives, and pharmaceutical sector analysis. The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) is a premier national institute based in New Delhi, established in 1954 under the initiative of India’s first Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. It functions as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India.

If you’re looking to work on impactful government projects — this is your chance.

1
Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi.
S. No. Post No. of Posts Qualification Experience (Desirable) Age Limit Remuneration (₹) Duration Key Skills / Responsibilities
1 Research Officer (DoP) 4 Master’s in Economics, Stats, Public Admin, Chemistry, Bio-Chem, Biotech, Sociology, Commerce, Development Studies PhD preferred, scheme evaluation 35 years ₹35,000/month 2 months Writing, MS Office, stats tools
2 Research Assistant (DoP) 2 Bachelor’s in relevant subjects Scheme evaluation preferred 30 years ₹25,000 – ₹29,000/month 2 months Writing, MS Office, stats tools
3 Research Officer (NITI) 6 Master’s in relevant subjects PhD preferred, evaluation experience 35 years ₹40,000/month 3 months Research, writing, fieldwork
4 Consultant (NeGD) 1 Master’s in Strategic Studies, Electronics, Public Policy, Economics, Stats, or related fields 5+ years in consulting/evaluation ₹8,500/day (max 20 days) 2 months Lead evaluation design, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, policy alignment
5 Sr. Research Officer (NeGD) 4 Master’s in Public Admin, Public Policy, PGDM 5–6 years, lead experience in digital projects ₹47,000 – ₹50,000/month 2 months Project management, team lead, literature review, data analysis
6 Case Writer (NeGD) 1 Master’s in any field (UGC NET preferred) 1 year ₹27,000 – ₹30,000/month 2 months Case writing, fieldwork, stakeholder interviews, narrative development
7 Graphic Designer (NeGD) 1 Bachelor’s in Graphic Design/Fine Arts Up to 1.5 years ₹28,000 – ₹30,000/month 2 months Figma/Photoshop, visual design, client collaboration
8 Asst. Graphic Designer 1 Bachelor’s in Design/Fine Arts Up to 6 months ₹22,000 – ₹25,000/month 2 months Design support, social media creatives, quality assurance
9 Research Associate (NeGD) 1 Master’s (preferably B.Tech/English/Public Admin) 2–3 years in research/report writing ₹28,000 – ₹30,000/month 2 months Research methodology, data collection, documentation, stakeholder collaboration
10 Research Assistant (NeGD) 1 Graduate (preferably BBA, B.Tech, or B.A. English) Up to 1 year ₹26,000/month 2 months Assist in data collection, fieldwork, content creation
11 PMU Support (NeGD) 1 Not specified Coordination/admin support ₹23,000 – ₹25,000/month 2 months Project support, data entry, meeting coordination

Candidates will be appointed on a short-term contractual basis with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs. The positions demand a blend of field-readiness, technical skills, critical thinking, and teamwork. Most roles require working knowledge of MS Office, data tools, and strong communication abilities. Roles such as Consultant, Senior Research Officer, and Research Associate require prior experience in research or evaluation domains, while others like Graphic Designer and Assistant Graphic Designer focus on design proficiency using tools like Figma and Adobe Photoshop. All applicants are expected to carry their own laptops, be willing to work under tight deadlines—including evenings and weekends—and travel within India as required. YOu may find the details at this link https://www.iipa.org.in/cms/public/uploads/512761752242128.pdf

Research Recruitment-Walk-in Interview Details

ItemDetails
VenueRoom No. 20, Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), I.P. Estate, Ring Road, New Delhi
Date & TimeTuesday, 15 July 2025, 10:00 AM sharp
Documents to Carry– Updated CV- Original educational & experience certificates- Government-issued photo ID

This recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity to work directly with India’s leading public administration institute and gain experience in real-time government scheme evaluation, policy analysis, digital innovation, and capacity building. Whether you are a researcher, data analyst, policy enthusiast, or designer — this is a powerful way to contribute meaningfully while growing professionally.

Stay tuned to KrishiShutra.com for more updates on government jobs, training opportunities, agri-startups, and rural innovation.

Inspect the Seed germination and viability by SpeedySeed Viability Kit — A Game-Changer for seed test

Seed Germination

Seed viability is a crucial indicator of seed quality, directly influencing germination, seedling establishment, and overall farm productivity. Traditionally, seed viability is measured through germination tests, which take 7–14 days to complete and require labor, space, and controlled environmental conditions. However, with the introduction of the SpeedySeed Viability Kit, a novel and rapid colorimetric method now enables stakeholders to determine seed viability within just 2–4 hours.

This innovative tool is set to revolutionize on-farm seed quality assurance, saving time, enhancing decision-making, and minimizing losses due to poor germination.

Why Seed Viability Testing Matters

Farmers often unknowingly sow non-viable or low-vigor seeds, leading to:

  • Poor field emergence
  • Uneven crop stand
  • Wastage of inputs like fertilizers and water
  • Reduced yields

By performing seed test for viability before sowing, farmers can avoid these issues and ensure that only high-quality seeds are planted.

What Is the SpeedySeed Viability Kit?

SpeedySeed Viability Kit

The SpeedySeed Viability Kit is a rapid, color-based test that differentiates between viable and non-viable seeds based on their carbon dioxide (CO₂) release during respiration. Viable seeds respire actively, releasing more CO₂ than non-viable seeds.

This released CO₂ reacts with an indicator solution in an airtight incubation setup, changing the solution’s color. Based on the observed color, the seed’s viability is determined visually — making it a farmer-friendly and lab-free method.

Scientific Principle Behind the Kit

Viable seeds respire vigorously and release higher amounts of CO₂.

The CO₂ is absorbed into an aqueous indicator solution, leading to a color change.

The extent of color change correlates with the amount of CO₂ released, thus indirectly indicating seed viability.

Color Change Interpretation: Green/Yellow → High viability (viable seeds) While Blue (no change) → Low or no viability (non-viable seeds)

How the Seed Test Is Performed

🔹 Materials Provided in the Kit:

  • Indicator solution (for 300 seeds)
  • Dropper bottle
  • Seed holders
  • Airtight transparent incubation tubes (100)

Step-by-Step Procedure:

  1. Pre-soak seeds in water for 2–4 hours to initiate metabolic activity.
  2. Place the soaked seeds inside the seed holder.
  3. Insert the seed holder into the incubation tube.
  4. Add 250 µL of the indicator solution to the tube.
  5. Seal the tube airtight to trap the CO₂ released.
  6. Keep the setup undisturbed at room temperature for 2–4 hours.
  7. Observe the color change of the indicator solution.

Green or yellow: Indicates active respiration and viability.

No color change (blue): Indicates dead or non-respiring seeds. Details of the seed testing procedure has been demonstrated by Dr. Vishwanath in this video

Benefits to Farmers and Stakeholders

✅ For Farmers:

  • Avoid losses due to poor germination
  • Use only viable seeds for sowing
  • Improve yield and input-use efficiency

✅ For Seed Dealers:

  • Ensure quality before selling
  • Avoid reputational damage due to non-performing seeds

✅ For Seed Producers:

  • Faster quality control during seed production
  • Select high-vigor seeds for further multiplication

✅ For Extension Workers/Scientists:

  • Demonstrate viability in real time during training
  • Aid decision-making in seed replacement programs

The SpeedySeed Viability Kit offers a revolutionary, rapid, and easy-to-use solution for testing seed viability. It empowers farmers and stakeholders with a quick decision-making tool to ensure only high-quality seeds are sown. This innovation aligns with national goals of improving productivity, reducing input waste, and ensuring better returns for farmers.

Investing 2–4 hours in testing with this kit can save weeks of crop loss and ensure a confident start to every sowing season. ICAR recently celebrated 97th foundation day Home

Celebrating the incredible legacy of Agriculture: 97the ICAR Foundation Day

ICAR’s 97th Foundation Day: A Celebration of Agricultural Excellence

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), India’s apex body for agricultural research and education, marked its 97th Foundation Day with grandeur at the NASC Complex, New Delhi. The event was graced by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with other dignitaries including Shri Bhagirath Choudhary (Minister of State), Dr. Ramesh Chand (NITI Aayog), and senior ICAR officials. The celebration highlighted ICAR’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s agricultural landscape through scientific innovation, farmer outreach, and global leadership.

Agriculture

National Achievements in 2024–25

India achieved several agricultural milestones during 2024–25:

  • Record food grain production of 353.95 million tonnes.
  • Maintained position as world’s largest producer and exporter of rice (149.1 Mt; 40% of global exports).
  • Largest milk producer (239.3 Mt), second-largest in wheat (117.3 Mt) and horticulture (367.72 Mt).
  • Ranked second in global fish production (18.42 Mt).

These figures underscore ICAR’s instrumental role in ensuring food security, export performance, and rural livelihood generation.

Flagship ICAR Initiatives

Under the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, ICAR launched multiple game-changing initiatives:

🌱 High-Impact Campaigns:

  • 109 climate-resilient and bio-fortified crop varieties released in August 2025.
  • ‘One Scientist One Product’
  • ‘100 Days 100 Varieties’
  • ‘100 Days 100 Technologies’
  • Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan: Reached 1.35 crore farmers across 1.40 lakh villages.
  • #OneICAR social media campaign showcased national unity in agricultural develop

🌾 Crop Science Innovation

Horticulture

ICAR developed 679 new field crop varieties, including 27 bio-fortified ones for enhanced nutritional value. Among notable achievements:

  • Basmati exports touched ₹50,000 crore, majorly driven by four ICAR varieties.
  • Wheat production reached a record 115.3 Mt, with 85% area under ICAR’s climate-resilient varieties.
  • Varietal replacement rates soared in pulses and oilseeds (e.g., lentil: 99%, chickpea: 84%).
  • Breakthrough: World’s first genome-edited rice varieties released.

🍅 Horticultural Science Progress

ICAR released 83 new horticultural varieties:

  • Fruits: 14
  • Vegetables: 30
  • Flowers: 12
  • Spices, Plantation, Medicinal Plants: 27 total
    Additionally:
  • 1,860 germplasm lines evaluated.
  • 22 lakh quality planting materials distributed.
  • 750+ quintals of breeder seed, 2,200 tonnes of tuber/root seeds, and 75 tonnes mushroom spawn produced.
  • 9 Clean Plant Centres established.
  • 15 patents granted, 1,300+ training sessions held.
IMG 20181120 111316352

🐟 Fisheries Science Advancements

ICAR introduced super-intensive shrimp farming yielding up to 40 tonnes/ha in 4 months, setting a new global benchmark for resource-efficient aquaculture.

Key developments:

  • Breeding protocols for 7 fish species standardized.
  • 5 specialized fish feeds & 13 value-added fish products launched.
  • India’s marine fisheries carbon footprint is 31% below global average.
  • Hosted 14th Asian Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum.
  • Celebrated National Fish Farmers’ Day 2025 at CIFRI, Barrackpore.
IMG 20180714 162839587

🌱 Natural Resource Management

Notable interventions:

  • National Soil Spectral Library created with 40,000 soil spectra.
  • Developed 35 Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) on soil, water, and crop systems.
  • 6 Integrated Farming System prototypes and organic cultivation protocols for 8 cropping systems.
  • Crop diversification demos set up in 17 districts.
  • 285 accredited nurseries for agroforestry across 7 states.
  • 43 climate-resilient villages established.
  • Introduced microbial consortium reducing methane emissions from rice fields by 18%.

🐄 Livestock Development

ICAR registered 10 new indigenous breeds, developed:

  • 5 vaccines, 7 diagnostics for animal health.
  • Produced 6.11 lakh semen doses and distributed 14.09 lakh poultry germplasm.
  • Released 2 chicken varieties.
  • Developed smart sensors for real-time quality checks in dairy.
IMG 20180828 104055394

🛠️ Agricultural Engineering

ICAR developed:

  • 45 new technologies/instruments
  • 8 process protocols
  • 3 value-added farm products
  • Conducted 301 training programs for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.

These tools aim to improve on-farm efficiency, post-harvest value addition, and mechanization.

🎓 Agricultural Education Reforms

ICAR led major educational transformation:

  • Consultations with 76 Agricultural Universities.
  • Implemented the 6th Deans Committee Report.
  • Launched PM-One Nation One Subscription (PM-ONOS) for journals.
  • Initiated ASEAN fellowship programme for international M.Sc. students.
  • Set up 50 Experiential Learning Units.
  • Conducted MOOCs and Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme training 466 staff.

📢 Agricultural Extension Outreach

Massive expansion in farmer engagement:

  • 0.42 lakh On-Farm Trials
  • 2.66 lakh Frontline Demonstrations (1.41 lakh in pulses & oilseeds)
  • 18.57 lakh farmers trained, plus 1.77 lakh extension staff
  • Delivered 4.19 crore SMS advisories
  • 3.8 lakh soil, water & plant samples analyzed

Crop Residue Management (CRM) in 65 districts led to 80% reduction in stubble burning since 2020.

Infrastructure built:

  • 299 Custom Hiring Centres
  • 82 Seed Banks, 34 Fodder Banks

Nutrition-focused programmes:

  • NARI Initiative in 18,000 Anganwadis promoted nutri-gardens.
  • 16,952 youth trained under 694 skill programmes3,398 ventures started by 5,472 youth.
  • Supported 3,093 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) through 3,002 training sessions.

Stay tune to www.krishishutra.com for all agricultural updates.

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