Nagaland’s first potato festival is embracing tradition amid climate challenges

Nagaland recently brought together a unique agricultural event where its age-old customs thrived despite the ever-present challenges of a shifting climate. Nagaland potato festival was hosted at the state’s first sustainable village, Jakhama, in Kohima on May 10, 2024. 

This pioneering festival aimed to spotlight organic potato cultivation while honouring the state’s rich agricultural heritage. Set against the backdrop of lush fields, the festival attracted over 3,000 visitors who were treated to a vibrant showcase of locally grown potatoes, nurtured with care from December to January. 

Amidst the bustling atmosphere, 70 stalls offered an enticing array of organic produce, handicrafts, and traditional delicacies. Alongside demonstrations of potato planting techniques by experienced farmers, attendees marvelled at the diverse potato varieties on display, a true testament to Nagaland’s fertile soil and agricultural prowess. 

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Beyond its festive ambience, the festival underscored the importance of sustainable, locally sourced produce, reflecting a community deeply committed to preserving its agricultural legacy. During the festival, a total of 1,035 tins of potatoes were sold, each tin holding about 10 kg of potatoes and priced at Rs 600, which translates to a rate of Rs 50 per kilogram. 

At the festival, the Oasis Women Agri-Allied Cooperative Society announced a 450-gram potato as the largest potato of the event.

As the summer progresses in Kohima, potato cultivators throughout the region prepare for harvest in their homesteads and terrace fields. Potato cultivation is estimated to be carried out by approximately 200 households. For many farmers, this is their second harvest of the year. 

While potato cultivation continues to thrive in the area, farmers are increasingly aware of the effects of changing climatic conditions.

Experiences of the farmers 

Khrieno, a farmer from Kigwema Village, acknowledged the variability in yields. On a sunny day at her farm, she observed that this season’s yield is lower than usual, with smaller potatoes and some instances of infestation. In open fields where traditional methods are used, potato growth is heavily reliant on favourable weather conditions. Weed management is adequate when conditions are ideal, but prolonged windy seasons and insufficient rainfall have concerned farmers like Khrieno. Rising temperatures exacerbate the difficulties faced by potato farmers.

The susceptibility of potato crops to changing climates is well documented. This vulnerability prolongs the crop maturation period, particularly tuber sprouting. Despite the preference for organic potatoes due to their rich taste and smooth texture, the absence of chemicals and fertilisers presents numerous challenges in yield, pest, and disease management.

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Anga, another farmer, highlighted the growing preference for terrace field cultivation over traditional methods like jhum or forest land. Not only does it save time, but it also yields bountiful harvests. Farmers like Anga use their potatoes for consumption, sale, and seed preservation. They sell their produce directly to customers, bypassing the market, with each 10-kg tin priced at Rs 600.

From seed to table 

The journey of the potato from seed to table is a meticulously planned endeavour that mirrors the dance of the seasons. Mhasineinu Zao, a seasoned farmer with weathered hands and a wealth of experience, shares her insights into this age-old tradition.

In these parts, the potato planting season typically commences in mid-January. Farmers like Zao eagerly take to their fields, carefully tucking precious seedlings into the soil, knowing that their toil will be rewarded exactly three months later. However, this year presented a challenge as the elements delayed Zao’s planting until mid-February. With bated breath, she watched the skies, fearing rain that could spoil her crop. Fortunately, her potatoes had ripened to perfection by May, a testament to her resilience and the whims of nature.

As the first harvest draws to a close, another cycle begins. Fields, once lush with rice, are transformed into nurseries for the next generation of potatoes. By late November and early December, farmers eagerly sow their seeds, laying the groundwork for another round of bounty.

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In the remote jhum areas, where farming practices echo ancient traditions, potatoes are not just a crop; they are a lifeline. Planted from mid-March to early April, these tubers bear witness to the ebb and flow of seasons, harvested only after the paddy fields have yielded their bounty. Stored in baskets or on the cool earth, these seed potatoes wait patiently for their moment in the sun.

But it’s not just about sustenance; it’s about flavour too. In the jhum areas, where potatoes are grown for consumption rather than seed, timing is everything. Harvested in June, these tubers reach their peak, their flavours bursting forth in a symphony of taste. However, if left beyond the three-month mark, their allure wanes, their flesh stubbornly resisting the pot.

Last year, Zao dared to defy tradition, seeking an early harvest with a late October planting. The gamble paid off, yielding healthy potatoes that defied expectations. But not every risk reaps rewards. A December planting yielded stunted tubers, plagued by pests and disease, a stark reminder of nature’s caprice. Yet, amidst the uncertainties, the enduring spirit of the people prevails. 

In villages across Nagaland, potatoes reign supreme, serving as a symbol of community and cooperation. As the potato festival celebrates another successful year, the future looks bright for this humble tuber. With each passing season, more hands join the fray, drawn by the promise of profit and the allure of organic farming. 

In the hills of Nagaland, tradition and innovation converge, highlighting the enduring bond between human and earth.

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A case for nutrient management  

Professor Tongpang Longkumer, from the department of agronomy at the School of Agricultural Sciences, shed light on the underlying causes of lower potato yields. While acknowledging the potential impact of climate change, the agronomist emphasised the significance of nutrient management. 

Potatoes are nutrient-intensive crops, and prolonged cultivation can deplete the soil of essential nutrients. Dr. Longkumer advocated for a balanced approach to fertilisation, incorporating both organic and inorganic fertilisers to replenish soil nutrients and address the acidic nature of the soil.

In addressing the challenges faced by potato farmers in Kohima, a holistic approach that combines traditional wisdom with modern agricultural practices emerges as a promising solution. By prioritising soil health and adopting sustainable farming techniques, farmers can safeguard their livelihoods and ensure the resilience of potato cultivation in the face of a changing climate.

Virosanuo Solo holds a PhD in Agronomy, Nagaland University and Ketholeno Neihu is freelance journalist from Nagaland

Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth