DC Wokha briefs media on upcoming Banana Festival

WOKHA — In the run-up to the much-anticipated Banana Festival, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, Vineet Kumar, held a press conference at his office on Saturday to share updates and key details about the event.

The DC informed that the festival, scheduled from October 22 to the 24th at Public Ground, Wokha, is being organised by the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Wokha and various line departments.

Kumar said that the initiative is part of the district’s Five-Year Vision Document, which was launched earlier in the presence of Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh.

Deputy Chief Ministers TR Zeliang and Y Patton will grace the festival as special guest and chief host, respectively.

Highlighting the broader goals of the festival, he said that it is “not just a celebration” but a strategic platform to empower over 6,000 farmers, facilitate buyer-seller linkages, and promote scientific farming practices and value addition.

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He expressed optimism that Wokha would emerge as a hub not only for banana cultivation but also for other agricultural crops.

The DC added that the event is supported by NABARD, Central Institute of Horticulture, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, and over 30 institutions from across the country and state will participate in the festival.

Sharing the highlights of the three-day festival, Kumar said more than 100 stalls will be set up to showcase banana by-products, farming innovations, and other exhibits.

Technical sessions will allow farmers to engage with experts and dignitaries from various institutes. The festival will also feature engaging activities such as banana-eating competition, a fancy dress contest themed ‘Banana for food, fibre and future,’ and a best banana bunch contest to showcase the district’s rich banana diversity.

Concluding the briefing, the DC extended a warm invitation to the public to participate in the festival, support local farmers, and contribute to making the event a resounding success.