Occupation In Nagaland

1. Cultivation

Most of the state's population, about 68 percent, depends on rural cultivation. The main crops are rice, millet, maize, and pulses. Cash crops, like sugarcane and potato, are also grown in some parts. Plantation crops such as premium coffee, cardamom, and tea are grown in hilly areas in small quantities with large growth potential. Most people cultivate rice as it is the main staple diet of the people. About 80% of the cropped area is dedicated to rice.
Oilseeds is another, higher income crop gaining ground in Nagaland. The farm productivity for all crops is low, compared to other Indian states, suggesting a significant opportunity for farmer income increase. Currently, the Jhum to Terraced cultivation ratio is 4:3; where Jhum is the local name for cut-and-burn shift farming. Jhum farming is ancient, causes a lot of pollution and soil damage, yet accounts for the majority of the farmed area. The state does not produce enough food and depends on the trade of food from other states of India.

Principal crops are Arums, yams, millet, maize, potatoes and sugarcane. Vegetable crops are melon, cucumbers, spinach leaf, mustard, onion, chillies, carrots, tomatoes, brinjal etc.
The two methods of cultivation among the Naga tribes are jhuming and terrace cultivation. The area under jhum cultivation is about 87.339 hectares and under terraced cultivation is about 62,091 hectares. In jhuming, the individual parcels out his field into a number of plots and cultivates a particular plot for one or two years. In the following year, he shifts to the next plot and that also is cultivated for the same period. In this way, after the rotation is completed, the first plot is taken up again. The jungle is felled and burnt and the crops are sown on the ground fertilized by ashes. The complete rotation of plots may take between six to ten years depending upon the acreage of the field. The longer this duration is, the more fertile the soil becomes and better the crops are. This method of cultivation is in vogue among the Semas, Aos and Lothas. Jhuming has its obvious disadvantages. A large area of land is required for cultivation. Besides, the crops is dependent on rainfall.

2. Forestry

Forestry is also an important source of income. Cottage industries such as weaving, woodwork, and pottery are an important source of revenue. it has been playing an integral role in the lives of Naga people since distant past. Although Nagaland forest constitutes only 1.70% of total India’s forest, it is among the few proud states in India where virgin forest can still be found.

The Forestry Sector in the State has been one of the main source of providing livelihood and revenue, however, of late, the forest has been badly affected by several factors namely, rapid increase in population, insufficient infrastructure, diversion of forest area for developmental activities, inadequate public awareness about the forest functions and its administrations, etc.

The major task in the state is to rehabilitate the degraded forests and enhance the area under effective tree cover to 66 % of the total geographical area as envisaged in the National Forest Policy, 1988. Though continuous efforts are being made in this direction, the ever-increasing demand for forest products and limited fund availability have constrained the achievement of the desired results. It has been recognized that a rational and balanced combination of different forest functions; production, protection, conservation and provision of environmental amenities are essential for sustainability of the forests. Nagaland with a tropical and sub tropical climate receives an average rainfall of about 1870 mm annually. This condition is conducive for luxuriant growth of vegetation of wide species. Full advantage need to be taken and develop the resources to the fullest extent for economic development of the State.

Forest contributes significantly to the economy and social well being of the people in the State. The relevance of this sector is all the more pronounced in the State, which has a predominantly agricultural based rural economy, in which 82% of the people are still living in rural areas. An ambitious forestry programme is proposed for the 10^th Plan to be executed in close co-ordination with the people in the State.

3. Art and Craft

Though the main occupation of the Nagaland people is irrigation, they have been blessed with dexterity, especially the women. The ordinary metals such as iron, brass and tin are used to make exquisite jewelry in the form of armlets, neckbands, bangles and much more. Beads are also used to make beautiful necklaces. The Nagas have carried their traditional art of weaving by knitting unique colours and designs producing shawls, shoulder bags, table mats, etc which reflect the integrity and soul of their ancient dynamics.

The art of weaving is primarily the domain of the female folk of Nagaland. The weaving industry is one of the important industries of Nagaland that has added to the financial strength of the north eastern state of India. The women of Nagaland design beautiful patterns on pieces of cloth to make them colorful and attractive. The excellent design patterns on the Angami Naga shawls bears relic to the unique artistic skills of the artists who have inherited the art from their forefathers. The men folk of Nagaland produce excellent pieces of wooden work. The artists carve exquisite designs on the wooden pieces. One of the traditional arts of Nagaland, the wood carving industry produces beautiful products that have an internationally acclaimed status.

Nagaland is famous for producing excellent pieces of pots from mud. The pots of Nagaland are used for storing water. The metal work is another industry that has flourished in the north eastern state.