TR Zeliang inaugurates first Banana Festival in Wokha

WOKHA — The first edition of the Banana Festival commenced at Public Ground, Wokha, on Wednesday on the theme “Banana for food, fibre and future”. The three-day event, scheduled from October 22 to the 24th, aims to promote agricultural innovation, empower farmers, and strengthen market linkages across Nagaland.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Planning and Transformation and National Highway TR Zeliang attended the inaugural ceremony as the special guest.

He was accompanied by Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change CL John, Minister of Women Resource Development Salhoutuonuo Kruse, and MLA and Advisor for Water Resources Tongpang Ozukum.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Home and Border Affairs Yanthungo Patton was the chief host, while MLA and Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan and MLA Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe attended as hosts.

A key highlight of the programme was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Wokha district administration and three national research institutions—Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – National Research Centre for Banana, Tamil Nadu; Institute of Bioresource and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal; and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat.

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The MoU seeks to establish long-term partnerships in areas such as scientific farming, technology integration, circular economy, cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops, farmer training, and market development.

Addressing the gathering, TR Zeliang lauded the initiative and said the festival would serve as a platform to connect producers with consumers, boost the rural economy, and promote entrepreneurship.

He emphasised the importance of sustainable practices and inter-institutional collaboration and encouraged scientists to support the district’s development through research and guidance. He also called for a shift towards skill-based and vocational training to generate sustainable income.

Patton, in his address, described Wokha as the “land of plenty” and highlighted the festival’s potential to improve the rural economy. He acknowledged the contributions of self-help groups (SHGs) and village-level farmers and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives.

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Deputy Commissioner of Wokha Vineet Kumar delivered the keynote address outlining the festival’s concept and its alignment with the One District One Product initiative. He highlighted Wokha’s potential in banana cultivation and discussed the Vision Document, market gaps, and opportunities for growth.

Agriculture Production Commissioner V Shashank Shekhar encouraged youth participation and research-driven development, while Dr. S Hazarika, director of ICAR RC–NEH Region, described the festival as a symbol of unity in diversity. M Raja Murugan, managing director of Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), spoke on the federation’s objectives to empower tribal communities through marketing support and value addition.

The event also witnessed the launch of several initiatives, including Yuthi Delights (local brand), Banana Growers Network, Banana Chocolate, and the release of Lotha Dialect and KVK-Wokha information brochures.

Cultural performances by the Nrung Longidang Village Cultural Troupe and interactive events such as a banana-eating competition and banana salad-making competition added colour to the opening day.

A national workshop on banana plantation, production, value addition, and marketing was held at Lotha Hoho Ki, Wokha, following the inaugural.

Themed “Envisioning 360° banana hill ecosystem – science, policy, market and finance in action”, the workshop featured panel discussions involving scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders.

The festival will continue over the next two days with buyer-seller meets, technical training sessions, and exhibitions aimed at fostering agricultural entrepreneurship and rural development.

Nagaland Bn NCC officer, JCOs, and staff with 377 cadets also participated in the festival.