Transforming Sesame Cultivation in Nagaland: A Story of Innovation and Empowerment

About this dataset

The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre has made significant strides in enhancing sesame cultivation in Nagaland. By introducing high-yielding sesame varieties, Amrit and Prachi, the initiative addressed challenges such as poor seed quality and underutilized summer fallows. Farmers integrated these cultivars into their summer cropping systems through targeted capacity-building and improved management practices. Additionally, the establishment of local oil extraction facilities transformed sesame farming into a profitable venture, increasing the benefit-cost ratio from 1.37 to 4.83. This effort has revitalized sesame farming, boosted rural incomes, and positioned Nagaland’s sesame for broader market opportunities. Source-supported facts: The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre identified Amrit and Prachi as high-yielding, short-duration sesame varieties to address low productivity caused by poor seed quality and underutilized summer fallows. Farmers integrated Amrit and Prachi sesame cultivars into their zaid/summer seasons through targeted capacity-building and improved management practices. Local oil extraction and processing increased the benefit-cost ratio of sesame farming from 1.37 to 4.83. The initiative revitalized sesame farming, increased cropping intensity, and boosted rural incomes.