SOYBEAN FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ‘FROM FIELD TO FEAST’ LEGACY AT CHÜMOUKEDIMA

CHÜMOUKEDIMA, FEBRUARY 21: A two-day Soybean Festival under the theme “From Field to Feast: Celebrating Our Soybean Legacy” commenced at Angh Hall, Agri Expo, Chümoukedima, on Friday, drawing farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists and stakeholders from across Nagaland.

The festival is being organised by ICAR–AICRP on Soybean under the TSP and NEH components, School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus.

Gracing the occasion, Dr. G.P. Singh, Director, ICAR-NBPGR, and Sanuzo Nienu, Director of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, highlighted the growing importance of soybean as a “miracle crop” for economic empowerment and nutritional security.

Addressing the gathering, Nienu described soybean (Glycine max) as one of the most valuable leguminous crops globally, rich in protein and oil, and a vital contributor to food security. He emphasised that soybean serves as a high-protein food for human consumption and is also a key component in livestock and poultry feed industries.

“Soybean is a crop of the future. It supports heart health, bone health and metabolic functions, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. At the same time, it strengthens our agricultural economy,” he said.

Highlighting its environmental benefits, he noted that soybean enriches soil naturally by fixing atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria, thereby reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers and improving soil fertility for subsequent crops.

He further underlined the crop’s vast economic and industrial potential, stating that beyond food products such as tofu, soy milk, soy nuts and fermented items, soybean is also used in the production of bio-diesel, cosmetics, plastics and inks. Farmers were encouraged to adopt soybean cultivation as a sustainable and profitable option.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. L. Tongpang Longkumer from the Department of Agronomy, SAS, Nagaland University, emphasised the need for scientific advancements and adoption of improved soybean varieties suited to Nagaland’s unique agro-climatic conditions. He said soybean cultivation could significantly enhance soil health, increase farmers’ income and promote nutritional security in the state.

Describing soybean as a “wonder crop,” Prof. Longkumer noted that it contributes nearly 50 percent to the global oilseed sector. Introduced in India in the 1970s, soybean has since become the country’s second most important oilseed crop.

Soybean seeds contain about 20 percent oil and around 40 percent protein, making them highly nutritious. Being cholesterol-free, soybean oil was described as particularly beneficial for health. The crop yields a range of products including edible oil, soy flour, soy milk, tofu and animal feed.

Among Indian states, Telangana was cited as one of the highest producers of soybean, demonstrating the crop’s potential when supported by appropriate technology and policy measures.

Despite its potential, Nagaland currently contributes only about 0.1 percent to the country’s soybean production. Around 38 metric tonnes are presently utilised in the state, indicating significant scope for expansion.

Speakers stressed the need to promote soybean farming on a larger scale, introduce improved seed varieties and establish processing units within the state. With proper awareness, training and market linkages, they noted, soybean cultivation could become a viable and profitable venture for farmers in Nagaland.

Prof. A.K. Singh, Department of Soil Science, SAS, delivered the welcome address, while Prof. Akali Sema, Professor In-charge, Research Cell, SAS, chaired the session. Technical sessions were conducted by Dr. Bendangsenla Imsong, SMS/CTO (Plant Breeding & Genetics), KVK, Jharnapani, and Dr. Pezangulie Chakruno, Junior Scientist (Plant Pathology), AICRP on Soybean, SAS, NU. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. G. Zion, Young Professional-I, AICRP on Soybean, SAS.

An exhibition stall showcasing soybean varieties, technologies and value-added products was also inaugurated as part of the festival. Experts delivered technical talks on variety selection for rainfed conditions and the current soybean scenario in Nagaland.

The festival aims to strengthen soybean production, promote improved cultivation techniques and encourage value addition—truly taking soybean from field to feast while empowering farmers and boosting Nagaland’s agricultural economy. (Limatoshi, IA, Chümoukedima)