Lumami: A recent study by Nagaland University has shed new light on how indigenous knowledge systems continue to sustain terrace farming among the Angami Naga community, offering important lessons for sustainable agriculture, food security and climate resilience.
The study, conducted by research scholar Ketekhoto Neihu under the supervision of Dr Srikanth Yamsani at the Tribal Research Centre, Department of Sociology, Nagaland University, explores the social, cultural and ecological foundations that have enabled terrace cultivation to thrive for generations in the hill state.
Unlike earlier research that focused largely on the technical aspects of terrace farming, the study examines the broader knowledge systems that underpin the practice, including traditional soil and water management, the use of ecological indicators for agricultural planning, and the close relationship between farming and cultural traditions.
The findings have been published in a SAGE journal indexed in Web of Science and Scopus, and are expected to contribute to national discussions on food security and sustainable agriculture. Researchers say the findings could also inform development policies and projects in indigenous areas by ensuring that culturally sensitive agricultural practices are not undermined.
North-East India is home to diverse farming systems shaped by varying agro-climatic conditions and long-standing indigenous traditions. While shifting cultivation remains the dominant form of agriculture in much of Nagaland due to its hilly terrain, the Angami Nagas have maintained an ancient tradition of terrace cultivation.
Nagaland University Vice-Chancellor Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik said the research demonstrates how traditional wisdom continues to support agricultural productivity, ecological balance and community resilience.
“The research highlights how traditional wisdom continues to sustain agricultural productivity, ecological balance, and community resilience in the hill landscapes of Nagaland. The findings show that the sustainability of Angami terrace cultivation rests on the harmonious integration of ecological practices, social cooperation, and cultural traditions,” he said.
He added that, at a time when the world is searching for sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural solutions, such studies underscore the importance of documenting, preserving and learning from indigenous knowledge systems.
Congratulating the researchers and the Tribal Research Centre, Patnaik said the study provides valuable insights into the sophisticated methods of soil and water management developed by the Angami community over generations, as well as the use of ecological indicators in agricultural planning.
“It demonstrates that indigenous knowledge is not merely a legacy of the past but a living system that contributes significantly to sustainable development and environmental stewardship,” he added.
The study found that terrace farms are built using traditional construction techniques that reduce soil erosion and ensure efficient water use. The continued reliance on organic inputs instead of chemical fertilisers also reflects a long-standing commitment to environmental protection and human health.
Lead researcher Dr Srikanth Yamsani said the study revealed that the Angami community continues to practise agriculture in close association with natural cycles and environmental cues.
“Our study found that the Angami Naga population continues to practice farming in close association with cycles and signs of nature. Farmers plant, transplant and harvest using clues like plant bloom times, bird habits and insects,” he said.
At the same time, Yamsani noted that farmers are increasingly facing challenges from changing rainfall patterns and climate variability.
“While these forms of agricultural practice are still strong, it is important to point out the new challenges being faced by farmers such as changing patterns of rainfall and climate variability. It is also important to note that the adaptive capacity of indigenous knowledge systems is very important,” he added.
The researchers argue that the findings demonstrate how agriculture among the Angami Nagas is not merely an economic activity but is deeply embedded in the community’s social and cultural life.
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