'One Village, One Product' initiative: Khonoma hosts first g
'One Village, One Product' initiative: Khonoma hosts first garlic festival
The Khonoma Women Union (KWU) organised the festival at Terhuotsiese, Khonoma village, which was sponsored by the Women Resource Development (WRD) and co-sponsored by the Horticulture and Agriculture departments.
Metsübo Jamir, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, and other officials on
Friday at Khonoma village during the first Chümerie (Garlic) Festival. (EM
Images.)
KHONOMA — In yet
another unique event, to go with its distinction as the first green village in
Asia, Khonoma village on Friday celebrated the First Chümerie (Garlic)
Festival.
The Khonoma Women Union (KWU) organised the festival at
Terhuotsiese, Khonoma village, which was sponsored by the Women Resource
Development (WRD) and co-sponsored by the Horticulture and Agriculture departments.
Minister for Rural Development Metsübo Jamir attended the
event as the special guest and expressed delight at the initiative.
Jamir emphasised that Khonoma is gifted with rich natural
resources conducive to agriculture and other means of livelihood. He stressed
the need for a scientific approach toward processing their products.
Pointing out the need for consistent sustainable
agricultural practices, he urged the villagers to uphold the same. He also
commended Khonoma village for consistently preserving its traditions.
Commending the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under NSRLM from
Khonoma village, he stated that their activities are healthy and active,
reflecting the unity of the village.
To the youth, he encouraged them to take up entrepreneurial
training and skill development rather than solely focusing on competitive
examinations. He stressed the importance of acquiring skills alongside academic
pursuits.
The minister also highlighted the need for the convergence
of agriculture and horticulture with MGNREGA to aid farmers and encouraged
Khonoma village to apply for 'innovative schemes.’
Jamir further announced the establishment of a garlic
processing unit at Khonoma for garlic entrepreneurs. He advised farmers not to
engage in distress selling of their produce but to wait for the right market
opportunities.
Additionally, he announced the provision of a pickup truck
to Khonoma village for transporting their produce.
Commissioner and Secretary for Women Resource Development,
Zhothisa Dawhuo, stated that the festival serves as a testament to the
remarkable strides made under the MYKI Village Adoption Initiative of the
department.
He said that Khonoma, a village renowned for its resilience,
cultural heritage, and exemplary environmental conservation efforts, has also
proven to be conducive to garlic cultivation. It has been rightfully chosen as
the pilot location for the ‘One Village, One Product’ initiative, aligning
seamlessly with the broader ‘One District, One Product’ policy of the
government.
He added that this initiative aims to foster economic growth
and self-sufficiency by enabling villages to focus on large-scale production of
high-value agricultural commodities, thereby enhancing market competitiveness
and productivity.
As part of this initiative, seed money of INR 30,000 has
been extended to 30 dedicated women farmers, providing them with the means to
undertake extensive garlic cultivation, he informed.
Exhibits of garlic during its first festival at Khonoma
village on Friday. (EM Images.)
Dawhuo asserted that women have always played an
indispensable role in agricultural development, and this initiative affirms
their invaluable contribution to rural economies.
He viewed that the success of this initiative will serve as
a model for other villages, inspiring the widespread adoption of similar
agricultural development strategies.
Dawhuo extended his appreciation to the hard-working farmers
whose dedication has brought this initiative to fruition. He also expressed
gratitude to the village council for their invaluable support and to the entire
community for their enthusiastic participation in this transformative
endeavour.
Addressing the gathering, Director of Horticulture, Dr.
Meyasashi, stressed the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the
government. He urged everyone to be concerned about climate change and take
necessary action.
Joint Director of Agriculture, Medovilie Ladu, highlighted
the significant role of women in agriculture and stressed the need to promote
and empower them.
He pointed out the importance of promoting organic farming
for health, safety, and sustainability while also emphasising the need to pass
down traditional agricultural knowledge to future generations.
Sieno Sakhrie, President of KWU, acknowledged the WRD for
helping Khonoma village bring the first garlic festival in Nagaland to
fruition. She also expressed gratitude to the Minister for Horticulture and
Women Resource Development, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, for her support.
Sakhrie stated that the idea of the festival is to celebrate
all things garlic—from its flavour and health benefits to appreciating the
unseen efforts of the farmers.
She informed that garlic is the biggest cash crop in
Khonoma, supplying a significant percentage of the market in Nagaland.
"Garlic is not just a side item in our meals; it also
has numerous health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, lowering
blood pressure, increasing blood flow, and reducing the risk of heart disease
and stroke," she stated.
