International Workshop Calls for Protection of Traditional Naga Seeds and Foodways

A two-day international workshop on “Ecologies of Care: Food & Well-being in Naga Society” concluded at Tetso College, Chümoukedima, on August 25, bringing together scholars, academics, farmers, food practitioners and students to explore the deep connections between Naga food systems, indigenous knowledge, ecology, agriculture, culture and community well-being. Organised jointly by Tetso College, Unity College, Asufii Christian Institute, Mao, and the University of California, Santa Cruz, the workshop highlighted the importance of preserving traditional crops, seeds, farming practices, ancestral foodways and cultural values. Key discussions focused on food sovereignty, seed conservation and the role of intergenerational knowledge in ensuring future food security. Seed libraries were launched at Tetso College, Unity College and ACI Mao under the initiative “Save a Seed Today: Save the Future,” encouraging students to conserve indigenous seeds and ecological knowledge. Sessions on ancestral foodways and the Naga plate also highlighted the nutritional value of traditional crops such as millet and raised concerns over the decline of traditional seeds and oral knowledge systems. A panel discussion further explored the links between food, farming and faith, while stressing the need to preserve traditional seeds and promote Naga cuisine. The workshop concluded with the signing of the Naga Well-being Pedagogy Vision, led by Prof. Dolly Kikon, reaffirming a collective commitment to seed preservation, ecological knowledge, cultural heritage and community well-being.