February 23, Kohima: In a significant boost to soybean cultivation and farmer empowerment, Nagaland hosted its first-ever Soybean Festival at Agri Expo, Chümoukedima from February 20 to 21, bringing together over 200 farmers, scientists, and agricultural officials from across the state.
Speaking at the event, Director of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, Sanuzo Nienu highlighted soybean as a "miracle" or "golden" bean due to its high protein content, soil-enriching properties, and strong market potential.
During the two-day festival, experts from the Nagaland University and ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, emphasized on improving productivity and sustainable practices, noting that Nagaland's yield already surpasses the national average.
Experts noted that Nagaland's average soybean yield of 12.6 quintals per hectare surpasses the national average of 11.79 quintals per hectare, signaling strong growth potential.