View of the matured linseed capsules for harvest at Niuland district, Nagaland.
Performance of Nagaland in Linseed: Nagaland has an emerging scope for the cultivation of linseed, the oilseed crop, mainly in districts with suitable agro-climatic conditions and the state's hilly terrain and organic practices offer potential for high-quality linseed production covering an area of 3460 ha and 2775 metric tonnes in production scenario in 2023-24 (Nagaland Statistical Handbook, 2024). However, overall production remains low due to small landholdings, lack of awareness, and limited market linkage.
Dried flowers play a growing role in the economy of Nagaland by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, especially for rural and tribal communities. They are used in handicrafts, home décor, and traditional art, attracting the local market and the cultivation and processing of flowers for drying require low investment and can be integrated with existing farming practices. With increasing demand for eco-friendly and natural products, dried flowers from Nagaland have export potential, boosting the state's economy and promoting local entrepreneurship, particularly among women and youth.
With proper training, infrastructure, and market access, dried flowers can become a viable agro-based industry in the state. Linseed, commonly cultivated in Nagaland for its oil-rich seeds and sturdy fibres, is now being reimagined as a valuable addition to the dried flower market. With rising interest in sustainable and natural home décor, linseed’s elegant seed heads and slender stems offer an unexpected yet appealing ornamental quality.
Typically sown in November, linseed begins blooming by January, bringing soft blue flowers to the fields—an aesthetic often overlooked. By the first week of April, with favourable conditions, the crop is ready for harvest. This natural flowering window makes it a perfect candidate for dried flower production, especially in Nagaland’s cool climate zones where the crop already thrives.
Dried linseed stalks bring a rustic, minimalist charm ideal for bouquets, eco-friendly event décor, and handmade crafts. As the demand for local, sustainable, and aesthetic plant materials grows, linseed could offer a dual-purpose income stream for farmers—without requiring additional land or inputs. By tapping into this niche market, Nagaland’s growers can transform an age-old crop into a contemporary lifestyle product—where linseed doesn’t just feed and clothe, but also beautifies.
For more information on Linseed in Nagaland, stay connected with AICRP on Linseed, Medziphema centre, NU:SAS, Medziphema campus.
Article compiled by Dr Virosanuo Solo (Jr Agronomist), Dr A K Singh (Jr Breeder) and Prof L T Longkumer, ICAR-AICRP on Linseed
