In Chizami, a small village in Nagaland’s Phek district, women have taken the lead in preserving traditional seeds and advancing sustainable agricultural practices. This movement began in the mid1990s through the efforts of local women and the North East Network (NEN), a grassroots organization focused on empowering communities. The women of Chizami have focused on conserving indigenous seeds, which are vital for maintaining biodiversity in the region. They have also embraced organic farming methods, which not only protect the environment but also improve food security and ensure the sustainability of their agricultural practices. This comes after years of Jhum (slash and burn) agricultural practices dried the region of its diversity.

The Chizami Women’s Society (CWS) has been instrumental in these initiatives, fostering communitydriven development that includes a strong emphasis on women’s rights and environmental stewardship. Through their efforts, Chizami has become a beacon of sustainable living, inspiring similar initiatives across Nagaland and beyond. The village's model of integrating traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices highlights the crucial role women can play in community development and environmental conservation​.

#seedconservation #nagaland #goodfoodmovement