Nagaland is majorly an agricultural state. Agriculture has traditionally always been the backbone of Nagaland’s economy. Seventy-three people account for agriculture as their main source of living. There are various festivals that are structured around agriculture and rooted in cultivation practices. However, the Agriculture of Nagaland has a lot of untapped potential in the developing agricultural sector. Here are a few crops that the region may benefit from growing.

1. King Chilli

King Chilli, also known as ghost pepper, is one of the world’s hottest chillies. It is very pungent and has a pleasant aroma. King Chilli has medicinal properties and has been conventionally used by indigenous people in the state for treating various ailments. It is used in preparing pickles, chutneys, and curries. 

Ghost Pepper is grown in Nagaland
Image Source: Canva

2. Pineapple 

Pineapple is one of the most popular fruits in the world because of its pleasant taste. It has a number of health benefits and is rich in vitamins A and B and several minerals. It can be consumed fresh or even canned and processed in various forms. It is a herbaceous perennial and can grow up to 1.6 meters in height. Pineapple requires a humid climate and a lot of rainfall.

Pineapple is grown in Nagaland
Image Source: Canva

3. Potato 

Potatoes are an essential staple crop that is popular all over the world. It is economical and also known as the poor man’s food.  It is indigenous to South America and a great source of starch, carbohydrates, and vitamins. It is served as a food dish and used in industrial production like alcohol and starch production. 

Potato is grown in Nagaland
Image Source: Canva

4. French beans

French beans belong to the  Leguminosae family and are believed to have originated in America. It is a green veggie and an important supplement that should be an addition to a regular diet. It is rich in nutrients like vitamins and proteins and prevents diseases like heart disease and diabetes. French beans are high-yielding crops that then find their way to distant markets. 

French Beans is grown in Nagaland
Image Source: Canva

5. Mushrooms

A mushroom is a kind of fungus that is used mostly in modern cuisines. It is highly profitable and requires less space and resources. It uses a high-quality substrate made from a medium like a log, straw, chicken manure, horse manure, or sawdust to grow. Mushrooms are low in sodium and calories and high in fibre and minerals. 

Mushroom is grown in Nagaland
Image Source: Canva

6. Green Gram

 Green gram is an important pulse in India which is also popular as moong dal. It is for making dal or processing it into flour. Its straw and husk are for fodder to feed cattle. They are an excellent source of nutrients like proteins, minerals, and vitamins. It is an annual vine and the seeds vary in colour from yellow, brown, black, or green. 

Green gram is grown in Nagaland
Image Source: Canva

7. Soybean

Soybean is an essential oilseed that cultivates all over the world. Soybean oil is one of the most famous edible oils in India. It is also beneficial as a milk product and is sold as soya chunks in the market. As for its industrial uses, it is present in the preparation of crayons and biofuel. It is highly nutritive and a rich source of protein.

Soybean is grown in Nagaland
Image Source: Canva

Agriculture plays a major role in uplifting rural society’s economy. Tapping the agricultural potential of Nagaland can help in tackling poverty and the region’s food security.