NewzVille Exclusive
The first edition of the Banana Festival 2025 commenced at the Public Ground, Wokha, Nagaland under the theme “Banana for Food, Fibre and Future.” The three-day event, running till 24 October, 2025 aims to empower over 6,000 farmers across Nagaland by promoting agricultural innovation, value addition, and stronger market linkages.
The festival was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Planning & Transformation and National Highway, T. R. Zeliang, as the special guest, in the presence of Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, C. L. John, Minister of Women Resource Development, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, and Advisor to Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Home & Border Affairs, Yanthungo Patton, served as the chief host, while Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, and MLA Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe attended as hosts.
A key highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the District Administration, Wokha, and three national research institutions — ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana (Tamil Nadu), IBSD (Imphal), and CSIR–NEIST (Jorhat) — to promote scientific farming, technological integration, and sustainable agricultural practices.
In his address, T. R. Zeliang lauded the organisers for their vision, describing the festival as a platform to connect producers and consumers, boost rural income, and encourage youth entrepreneurship. He urged farmers to add value to their produce and explore markets beyond the state, and expressed hope for collaborative solutions to the human-elephant conflict.
Yanthungo Patton described Wokha as the “land of plenty” and encouraged farmers to adopt good business practices. He commended the role of Self Help Groups and village farmers, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting livelihood initiatives and agricultural growth.
Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar in his keynote address, highlighted the festival’s alignment with the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and Wokha’s potential for banana-based enterprise.
Agriculture Production Commissioner, V. Shashank Shekhar, IAS, and Director of ICAR RC–NEH Region, Dr. S. Hazarika, emphasized research, training, and collaboration, while TRIFED Managing Director, M. Raja Murugan, spoke on empowering tribal communities through value addition and marketing.
With over 100 stalls from villages, self-help groups, FPOs, and departments, the festival showcases banana species, by-products, and local innovations. New initiatives launched include Yuthi Delights, the Banana Growers Network, Banana Chocolate, and brochures by KVK-Wokha and the Lotha Dialect team.
Cultural performances by the Nrung Longidang Village Troupe and contests such as the Banana Eating and Salad Making Competitions added to the festive spirit.
A National Workshop on Banana Plantation, Production, Value Addition, and Marketing was also held at Lotha Hoho Ki, featuring experts and policymakers discussing sustainable cultivation and hill ecosystem development.
The festival will continue with buyer-seller meets, technical training, and exhibitions promoting agricultural entrepreneurship and rural development.
