Nagaland: Noklak's 'fruit man' honoured with Padma Shri

Dimapur: L Hangthing, a farmer from the remote Noklak district, was conferred the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.

Known as the “Fruit Man of Noklak,” Hangthing has become a symbol of grassroots innovation and agricultural transformation in the eastern hill region. His pioneering work in introducing non-native fruits and vegetables has not only altered the landscape of local farming but also empowered over 200 farmers across 40 villages, impacting more than 400 households.

Hangthing’s journey began with a simple act: collecting discarded fruit seeds as a child. From these early experiments grew the vision to establish Noklak’s first plantation nursery. Today, his Jungyam Nursery & Horticulture Farming Society serves as a vital hub for horticultural learning and sustainable practices in one of the state’s most underserved agricultural zones.

Over the last three decades, Hangthing has introduced crops such as litchi and oranges—fruits previously unknown to the mountainous region—boosting local incomes and sparking a quiet revolution in rural livelihoods. His practical demonstrations and on-field training have created ripple effects across the community, offering farmers both knowledge and hope.