February 26, Kohima: The first 'North East Festival of Rice: Grains of Heritage' began today at the Agri Expo in Dimapur.
The event, organized by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Nagaland Chapter in collaboration with the state Department of Agriculture, the ICAR Research Complex for the North Eastern Hill Region, and the North East Zone Cultural Centre, aims to showcase the cultural and agricultural significance of rice in the region.
During the inauguration, Agriculture Advisor Mhathung Yanthan described the event as "historic" and emphasized the cultural importance of rice for communities in the Northeast.
Highlighting the region as a globally recognized hub of agro-biodiversity, Mr. Yanthan stated that Nagaland alone has over 200 indigenous rice varieties, adapted over generations to diverse microclimates.
However, he cautioned that many traditional varieties are at risk of extinction and called for focused discussion during the festival.
He also raised concerns about the impact of climate change on agriculture and stressed the need for climate-resilient, high-yielding rice varieties while preserving traditional germplasm.
The Advisor further informed that Nagaland's new Agriculture Policy 2026 has received Cabinet approval and will be implemented soon.
He reaffirmed the collective responsibility to conserve seed heritage, support farmers, empower youth, and sustain rice-based livelihoods across the region.
The two-day festival features technical sessions, a craft section, and a marketplace with participation from all northeastern states.
