6.1. Lack of scientific methods for cultivation and cropmanagement
The farmers in this region still rely on the traditional systems of cultivation. Unregulated jhum (shifting) cultivation has not only beenprovedtobeinefficientintermsofproductionbutalsoamajor threat to sustainable crop management. Scientific package of practices is not available for Naga Chilli in this region where fertilizer useisamongthelowestinthecountry.Highrainfallcausesleaching of nutrients and makes the crop vulnerable to weeds, insects and diseases resulting in poor yield. High atmospheric humidity leads to heavy incidence of seed-borne fungal diseases, thereby making proper storage of seeds a major concern. There is an urgent need to develop and popularize an effective production technology for this crop.
6.2. Lack of selection of superior germplasm
Many landraces of Naga chilli have developed due to cross pollination and adaptation to varied micro-climatic conditions. However, classical and molecular breeding approaches are yet to be carried out for the selection of landraces suitable for different agro-ecological zones. There is also a need to develop disease and pest resistant varieties by utilizing the Capsicum biodiversity. The sustainable supply of high yielding, disease and pest resistant varieties to farmers at affordable prices could improve the economic status of this region.