Sustainable Agriculture with Millets in the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region: A Natural Farming Approach

Dr Patu K Zeliang
Senior Scientist, Plant Breeding & Genetics ICAR AP Centre, Basa

The NEH region is one of the most ecologically sensitive and biodiversity-rich part of India. 

Agriculture in this region is dominated by rainfed, low-input, and subsistence farming systems, including shifting cultivation (jhum), terrace farming, and valley-based systems. Natural farming aligns well with the traditional ecological knowledge of tribal farmers and the agro-climatic conditions of the NEH region, its key features being minimal external inputs, emphasis on soil biological activity, on-farm resources recycling and crop diversification. Millet is compatible with natural farming as it grows well without fertilisers, has strong root systems which reduce erosion, is suitable for mixed and intercropping and tolerant to drought and erratic rainfall. Millets—such as finger millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet, little millet, and proso millet have historically formed an integral part of tribal food systems in various ways.

Millet Diversity in the NEH Region: The NEH region harbors rich diversity of millet landraces conserved by indigenous communities.

Agronomic Advantages under NEH Conditions: Millets perform well in the acidic soils, sloping lands, and variable rainfall conditions typical of the NEH region. Short crop duration makes it escape terminal drought. Due to its low nutrient demand, it can also be grown in poor soils. Its dense root system controls soil erosion and early vigor supress weeds naturally.

Soil Health Improvement and Ecosystem Services: Under natural farming systems, millet cultivation contributes to improved soil organic carbon through residue retention, enhanced microbial activity due to organic inputs, reduced runoff and soil erosion on hill slopes, and restoration of degraded jhum lands. Millet-based cropping systems act as ecological buffers, stabilizing fragile hill ecosystems.

Nutritional and Food Security Implications: Millets are nutritionally superior to polished rice and is increasingly replacing traditional diets in the NEH region. It can also play a critical role in addressing hidden hunger, anemia, and calcium deficiency among tribal populations.

Lastly, promotion of millet-based natural farming clusters, participatory varietal selection with landrace conservation, strengthening extension through ICAR–KVK–farmer linkages, and integration with nutrition and livelihood programs may ensure sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive agricultural development.

Table 1. Major Millets and Their Distribution in the NEH Region

Table 2: Nutritional Superiority of Millets (per 100 g)