Kiphire’s Longmatra town hosts first mango festival

KIPHIRE — Kiphire district administration and Department of Horticulture on Saturday organised the first edition of ‘Longmatra Mango Festival 2025’ at Longmatra town public ground with S Kiusumew Yimchunger, Advisor of Home Guards, Civil Defense, Fire and Emergency Services, and Relief and Rehabilitation, as the special guest, and Temsuwati Longkumer, Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire, as guest of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, the special guest lauded the unity among the stakeholders for making the Mango Festival possible and stated that the state government is always ready to support farmers.

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Kiusumew highlighted the importance of utilising mangoes effectively rather than letting them go to waste and encouraged consistent farming practices. He expressed pride that Kiphire is becoming widely recognised for multiple festivals including those for kholar, apple and now mango and called for ongoing efforts to establish Longmatra as the ‘Mango village.’

In his address, the DC commended all stakeholders for their efforts in bringing the festival to fruition. He pointed out that the festival has the potential to gain recognition beyond Nagaland and emphasised the importance of cluster farming, organic branding and agri-tourism.

He further urged the youth to make the most of their land and potential, noting that Kiphire has the best soil in the state.

In the welcome address, Takatemjen Pongen, EAC of Longmatra, stated that mango is the ‘king of fruits.’ He highlighted the festival's objective of promoting tourism, particularly eco and food tourism and praised the farmers as the pride of the region.

A Throngethe, President of the Longmatra Area GBs' Union (LAGBU), expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for initiating the mango festival. He shared his pride in selling mangoes for the first time and requested government assistance to explore other fruit varieties.

Sentinungba Longchar, District Horticulture Officer of Kiphire, described Kiphire district as a "land of apple and mango festivals." He emphasised that the event represents a festival of health and wealth. He also explained planting techniques and pricing strategies and announced that new mango varieties would soon be introduced in Kiphire.

Irothe T Sangtam, President of the Longmatra Area Students' Union (LASU), stated that the festival is not just a celebration but a forum for economic growth. He encouraged the youth to seize the opportunity to enhance their economic conditions and called for sustainable organic farming, emphasising the festival's role in promoting entrepreneurship and generating employment.

Earlier, the programme began with an invocation prayer said by Y Thsarise, pastor of LTBL.

Longtili Our Correspondent