Members of Ülikhrei Folk Group seen transplanting paddy at a Clan terrace field in Chedema village.
Vishü Rita Krocha
Chedema | July 17
Singing in the lush green fields across villages in Nagaland state is a vital oral tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Often without a written script, agricultural songs are known to be composed on the spot depending on the weather and circumstances of the day.
“We are learning from our parents and elders which crop to plant in which season or the appropriate song to sing for each agricultural work,” related Rüdosenuo Flory to The Morung Express.
Flory is a member of the Ülikhrei Folk Group, a vibrant ensemble of young talents from Chedema that is endeavouring to preserve the originality of the folk songs practiced by our ancestors. Besides singing, the Group also ventured into a new initiative in April this year, towards preserving the age old practice of farming to further encourage the younger generation to stay rooted to their ancestral practices.
In this regard, they began engaging themselves in the process of farming since last December by clearing the jungles, and preparing the beds, for plantation of different crops. Subsequently, they had planted peas and maize in several acres of land in Chedema village.
Traditionally, the farming community in Nagaland rythmically sings agricultural folk songs while working to conquer the monotony of hard labour. Highlighting the kind of songs accompanying agricultural work, Flory shared that, for instance, “if it rains or there are mosquitoes, we incorporate such elements into our songs. Or if it’s sunny, we sing about it being a hot day but that, we are still giving our best.”
“Singing while working also helps us become more efficient because it can also get lonely when you are working quietly,” she expressed.
Another member, Neilavonuo Suokhrie shared her enthusiasm in learning different agricultural work songs apart from learning the songs that are sung on different other occassions and eventually performing those on stage along with the group.
Both the members are also keen on preserving the rich Naga culture while further exuding hope to pass their learnings to the younger generation.
‘Reviving barren land: The future belongs to Agriculture’
In another of the Group’s effort to preserve the dying culture of traditional farming, members of Ülikhrei led by its Director, Dr Keneilhoulie Medom transplanted paddy in terrace fields along the banks of Dzü river, located approximately about 10 kilometres away from Chedema village on July 17.
The fields where paddy were transplanted on Friday have been left abandoned for the last 10-15 years, informed Dr. Keneilhoulie Medom. Stating concern that Chedema has so much of barren land, he is however hopeful that given the availability of land, coupled with more encouragment to the village community, there can be a positive change and outlook towards farming.
Spelling his dream to encourage farmers and young people, he also underlined that, “the future belongs to agriculture.” “The only way to start is by encouraging youngsters,” he added.
Medom is deeply concerned that many young people today are either forgetting or have no knowledge of traditional practices.
A highlight of Friday’s Paddy Transplantation was the introduction of Paddy Transplanter Machine in Chedema for the first time, which was demonstrated by a team of officials from the Department of Agriculture led by Kekhrieletuo Yhome, District Agriculture Officer, Kohima.
“Yhome has always encouraged Chedema and we believe that in the years to come, more people will join the farming community,” Medom also expressed.
Simultaneously, Ülikhrei Folk Group is gearing up to perform in Mumbai at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in October and also preparing to perform at the Hornbill Festival Opening Ceremony 2026.
