A Nagaland University study has called for location-specific strategies to promote sustainable farming among pineapple growers in the state.
The study, published in the Indian Journal of Extension Education, examined farmers’ adoption of sustainable practices across four areas — agronomic practices, resource management, pest and disease management, and post-harvest management. It also looked at differences in adoption across districts and the factors influencing farmers’ decisions.
Pineapple is cultivated across all districts of Nagaland and is known for its distinctive flavour, sweetness, low fibre content and high total soluble solids (TSS) of 16.5 to 18 per cent. Despite its economic and livelihood potential, growers face challenges related to production, marketing, post-harvest management and long-term resource sustainability.
The researchers found that adoption of sustainable practices is influenced by local conditions, pointing to the need for district-specific interventions rather than a uniform approach across Nagaland.
Prof Kaushal Kumar Jha of the Department of Agricultural Extension Education, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, said the study assessed sustainability across multiple stages of pineapple production and identified variations in adoption and challenges between districts.
“Farmers’ adoption levels and challenges are shaped by local conditions,” Jha said, adding that tailored agricultural extension strategies and district-specific interventions were needed to promote sustainable and resilient pineapple farming in the state.
The study identified three broad dimensions influencing adoption: land-use and income-related factors, motivational factors, and access to extension services.
Dr Shagolsem Herojit Singh, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, said the findings showed that adoption depended not only on the availability of technologies but also on farmers’ economic circumstances, motivation, awareness and access to institutional guidance.
Practices such as intercropping, mixed cropping, organic nutrient management, soil and water conservation, appropriate input management and crop-residue management were identified as measures that can help maintain soil health, improve resource-use efficiency and strengthen the resilience of pineapple-based farming systems.
The researchers also highlighted the need to improve awareness of the long-term environmental and economic implications of farming practices, particularly in the context of climate change, soil degradation and nutrient depletion.
Sentibenla Pongener, a PhD scholar in the Department of Agricultural Extension Education and co-author of the study, said integrating sustainability awareness and capacity-building into existing initiatives could support more climate-resilient and environmentally responsible pineapple production.
The study recommended need-based and location-specific training, field demonstrations, farmer-to-farmer extension, technical guidance and regular follow-up. Stronger extension contact and district-specific planning, the researchers said, could help farmers adopt sustainable practices from land preparation and planting through crop management, harvesting and post-harvest handling.
Also Read | Theja Rio’s ‘Angh’ wins Platform Award at TIFF, earns Oscar eligibility