Which traditional tools are used by farmers in Nagaland?

In Nagaland, agriculture remains the primary occupation for the vast majority of the population. Because the terrain is largely mountainous, traditional farming practices rely on specific manual implements rather than mechanized equipment like the plow, which is generally not used outside of the plains.1

The traditional tools used by farmers in Nagaland include:

• The Dao: A multipurpose heavy knife that serves as an essential tool for various agricultural and daily tasks.1
• The Light Hoe: Used for cultivating the soil, particularly in the context of shifting cultivation, known locally as jhum.1
• The Sickle: Employed for harvesting crops.1

While these traditional implements are widespread, some groups, such as the Angamis and Chakhesangs in the southern regions of Kohima, have also adopted more advanced agricultural methods, including terracing and irrigation techniques.1