Longleng's Pongo village hosts 1st Taro Festival

DIMAPUR — The first edition of Taro Festival, a two-day event, commenced at Pongo village public ground, Longleng district, on Friday with A Pongshi Phom, MLA, as the special guest

The festival held on the theme ‘Rooted in culture, a journey of heritage’ is organised by the Department of Horticulture, a DIPR report stated.

In his address, the special guest said that taro is consumed by everyone as a stable food and also used as a gift.

Pongshi highlighted Pongo village's production of fine taros, consumed locally and elsewhere in the state, and said that hosting the festival could boost the district's socio-economic development.

He attributed lack of progress to laziness and lack of confidence, urging young, educated individuals to explore self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

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He also criticized inconsistent approaches and illegal taxation hindering young entrepreneurs. The MLA urged the people to utilise government welfare schemes, stay united, and support government agencies for progress.

He further appealed to agencies to assist the village and outline plans for the Taro Festival, including infrastructure development, marketing, and support for farmers.

Deputy Commissioner of Longleng, W Manpai Phom, congratulated the organising team for their hard work and the Department of Horticulture for their support and guidance to the people of this district. He also mentioned that technical session with experts from the KVK Longleng will be organised to promote scientific way of cultivation. He urged the farmers of the village to actively participate in the technical session.

The DC said the event is being organised by the Department of Horticulture as part of the Hornbill Festival. He also mentioned that Pongo village is a historical village and is fortunate to be declared a tourist village by the government.

District Horticulture Officer Talimeran congratulated all the dedicated farmers for their hard work and said that without the contribution from the farmers, the festival would have been a failure.

President of Phom People's Council, YB Angam and council chairman of Pongo village, T Lakba Keikung also delivered words of greetings.

Head GB of Pongo village, P Khangyong, spoke on the theme ‘Rooted in culture, a journey of heritage.’

A word of gratitude was proposed by secretary of the festival organising committee, Aye Keikung, and the programme concluded with a call for blessings pronounced by associate pastor for women, Pongo Baptist Church, C Thempong.