At the age of 85, Vephutso Tetseo (also referred to as Veputso Tetso) stands as a quiet pioneer in the hills of Pfütsero, Phek district, Nagaland. What began as a simple act of curiosity has transformed into a thriving organic persimmon orchard, introducing and establishing this fruit in a region where it was previously unknown.
Vephutso’s early life followed a familiar path for many in Nagaland. He worked as a shopkeeper—once even selling biscuits in Kohima—before turning to traditional paddy farming on his land. The hilly terrain yielded modest returns, typically 20,000 to 30,000 rupees annually from rice cultivation. Around the age of 60, when most people might consider slowing down, Vephutso sought new possibilities in horticulture.
A visit to a local horticultural research center changed everything. There, a friend introduced him to kiwifruit and persimmons. Intrigued by their taste and potential, he obtained a few seedlings and planted two persimmon saplings on his uncultivated forested hillside. One sapling did not survive, but the other—the “mother plant”—became the foundation of his entire operation. Through patient grafting using locally adapted rootstock, he propagated the trees to suit Nagaland’s high-altitude, cold, and windy climate.
Over the next 15 years, Vephutso dedicated himself to the task. He cleared the forest, terraced the slope into manageable levels, and converted the once-modest rice plot into a flourishing orchard. Today, it boasts around 800 to 1,000 persimmon trees, supplemented by kiwifruit vines. He chose to focus primarily on persimmons, drawn to their superior flavor in the local conditions and their stronger market appeal.
His methods remain entirely organic, a commitment he has upheld since his paddy-farming days. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used. For pest control, he relies on natural solutions such as a mixture of tobacco leaves (known locally as terhipri or Nicotiana tabacum) and wood ashes. Soil fertility is maintained through traditional practices: gathering fallen leaves and nutrient-rich topsoil to create decomposing mounds, while weeds are managed by allowing natural breakdown rather than aggressive removal. These low-input techniques not only protect the fragile mountain ecosystem but also produce fruit that stands out for its quality.
The economic transformation has been dramatic. The same land that once generated limited income from rice now brings in significantly more—around 300,000 to 400,000 rupees from persimmon sales alone in a good season, plus additional revenue from kiwis and the sale of grafted saplings. In peak years, sapling sales have reached up to 500,000 rupees, pushing total annual earnings as high as 1,100,000 rupees. What started as a personal experiment quickly attracted buyers for both the fruit and planting material, turning a hobby into a sustainable livelihood.
Even now, at 85, Vephutso remains actively involved. He tends the trees, raises new saplings, and shares his knowledge. He works mostly alongside his wife, enlisting help only for the heaviest initial labor like digging. Aware of his physical limits, he has already planted about 100 additional trees on nearby, more accessible land to ensure continuity.
Vephutso Tetseo’s story is one of persistence, innovation, and deep respect for the land. From a single surviving sapling, he has cultivated not just an orchard but a model for sustainable, chemical-free agriculture in Nagaland’s challenging hills. His dedication demonstrates that meaningful change can begin at any age, driven by curiosity and consistent care, leaving a lasting legacy for future farmers in the region.
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