Dr Phool Kumari
Senior Scientist cum Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Dimapur
A small but significant revolution is taking place in the backyard of Alemla Samuel, Naga United village district Dimapur, Nagaland driven by a desire to improve her family’s livelihood and food quality, she turned to rabbit farming as a sustainable solution for both nutritional security and organic gardening. Her journey began under the NEH Programme, where she received a comprehensive support package from the ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar, in collaboration with KVK Dimapur, ICAR- Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland. This initiative provided her with high-quality breeding rabbits, scientifically designed cages for optimal hygiene, nutritious feed, and specialized technical training to ensure the venture's success.
Alemla Samuel’s farm has since become a perfect example of a “zero waste” circular economy. By raising kitts (baby rabbits), she has secured a reliable source of lean, high-protein “healthy meat” for her household, significantly reducing her dependence on expensive market alternatives. Beyond nutrition, she has mastered the use of rabbit manure—widely recognized as one of the most nutrient-dense organic fertilizers—to revitalize her backyard kitchen garden. The results have been remarkable, with her vegetables now growing faster and healthier than ever before. As Mrs. Samuel notes, “Rabbit farming has not only provided meat for my kitchen but has also breathed new life into my vegetable garden through its manure.”
The success of Alemla Samuel, Naga United village district Dimapur, Nagaland is not an isolated achievement but the result of continuous mentorship and community building. To foster collective growth, a Rabbit Farmer Interest Group was formed in the village, District Dimapur allowing local farmers to share knowledge and resources. The project has been closely guided by the vision of Dr Arun Tomar (Director, ICAR-CSWRI) and Dr. Ranjeet Godara (NEH Coordinator), while Dr Phool Kumari (NEH CO-Coordinator) and Dr Ebibeni (NEH CO-Coordinator) from KVK Dimapur conduct regular field visits to provide hands-on technical solutions. Through this collaborative effort, Mrs. Alemla Samuel, Programme Director, LMLC, Naga United village district Dimapur, Nagaland has emerged as a role model of FIGs proving that scientific rabbit farming can empower rural women and transform household health.
