Sugarcane Cultivation in Nagaland by the Gorkhas

Jacob Sundas
President, Gorkha Students’ Union Chümoukedima

When In 1963, Nagaland emerged as the sixteenth State of the Indian Union, the State could hardly concentrate on developing economic strength due to heavy strains of political instability and partly because the economy of the State was characterized by primitive agriculture, negligible industry and insufficient roads for communication. However, before this newly formed small State, with a keen desire of giving better life to its people, economic reconstruction was put as primary consideration. Consequently, National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) recommended that development of sugarcane cultivation in the State is possible and Nagaland Sugar Mills was incorporated in 1973 at Dimapur. 

The Nagaland Sugar mill in Dimapur was one of the major projects, gradually changing the face of Nagaland during the early 1970s. Thus, the State Government took this bold step towards industrialization as a means for achieving accelerated economic growth with the objectives of increasing its own revenue, and aiming to create sufficient employment opportunities. Even it is stated that maximum of the workers from the mills was from the Gorkha Community. The Dimapur District (now Chümoukedima) then was surrounded with dense forest and the Gorkhas from then Dimapur, Niuland & Chümoukedima areas were primarily Sugarcane cultivators and was engaged in Sugarcane farming in the lands of Naga landowners. The Gorkha community in Nagaland has long been involved in agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of sugarcane. Many Gorkha families have farmed sugarcane as a primary crop, benefiting from the favorable climate and soil conditions in certain parts of Nagaland. Sugarcane farming provided them with a stable income and formed the backbone of their livelihood. Gorkhas were also heavily involved in the operations of sugar mills, either as laborers or as part of the management and organizational structure. Their connection to sugar mills such as the ones under the Nagaland Sugarcane Growers Association (NSGA) played a crucial role in shaping the local economy. Many Gorkha individuals were active members of this association, taking leadership roles and helping to advocate for the rights and welfare of sugarcane farmers.

The impact of fast changing scenario of the urban life and its necessity to meet the multifaceted problem, the Sugar Mill was shutdown and the Gorkha labours of said area were engaged in farming and cattle rearing, construction workers. Besides these they were also engaged in carpentry and masonry activities, while some of them joined Assam Riffles & Indian Army for the defence service. Most of the Gorkhas settled here because of the good facilities they have been getting since the past. These families, who have been permanently settled in Dimapur, Niuland & Chümoukedima District for decades, have decided not to return to Nepal or other parts of India. The fact remains that they will live and die here in Nagaland, as they do not own any land in Assam, Siliguri, or Nepal. During the early settlement these Gorkha family parents or great grandparents built a close bond with the Nagas and till dated the Nagas are giving full protection to the Gorkha Community this is the reason the Gorkha Community of Dimapur, Chümoukedima & Niuland has preserved their historical records of their settlement in Nagaland State till date.

The Gorkha Community of this area has always worked for the development of the Villages in firm bond with the Naga brethren and has stepped into the new millennium with a ray of high hope. Long residence in one place creates great love for that particular place. Today this place that we are living has become heaven on earth for every Gorkha living in said District. At present there are more than 1700 Gorkha family at Chümoukedima District with valid documents proof which can state that they are the Citizen of India hence they came Nagaland prior to 1963.

Let this article be one of the remarkable and memorable moments for all of us. 
 



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