Nagaland, located in the northeastern region of India, is marked by its rugged, mountainous terrain. Among its indigenous communities, the Angami Nagas have developed sophisticated agricultural practices, most notably the construction of bench terraces for paddy cultivation on steep slopes. This study examines the terrace cultivation practices of the Angami Nagas, highlighting the embeddedness of these agricultural methods within their cultural frameworks and environmental contexts. Drawing on ethnographic insights, the article examines how indigenous knowledge (IK) informs agricultural organization, resource management, and sustainability. The findings demonstrate that the Angamis’ farming practices are not only ecologically adaptive but also culturally resilient, contributing to long-term sustainability in both food production and environmental stewardship. By illustrating the dynamic interplay between culture and agriculture, this study highlights the importance of preserving IK systems in the face of modern agricultural challenges. It argues that the enduring sustainability of Angami terrace cultivation lies in the synergistic relationship between traditional ecological practices and community life.
Neihu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.