Kohima: Seiyhama village hosted its fourth annual Organic Naga King Chilli Festival on August 29. The event spotlighted a crop that now serves as the village's primary economic engine. A 2026 farming report shows 180 of the village's 482 households now farm the spicy peppers. Cash flows in. Farmers have already harvested 1,627 tins this season, with an additional 1,500 tins expected soon.
Annual production sits between 3,200 and 3,500 tins. This volume brings in roughly Rs 30 to 35 lakh. Sales of pickles should add another Rs 1 to 2 lakh. During the event, traders already bought 300 tins alongside various other organic vegetables. Rev Dr Kevichalie Metha, pastor of Peraciezie Baptist Church in Kohima, attended as the special guest to honor these gains.
Metha noted the crop sustains local families and helps pay for their children's education. During his address, he stated, "Raja Chilli may be available in other villages too, but the blessing upon this village is immeasurable." He urged farmers to stay humble while pursuing further economic growth. He also encouraged the youth to preserve these agricultural traditions.
Former village chairman Lhoulalie Zumu credited the Department of Horticulture for helping expand their market reach. He noted that growers once struggled to find buyers for their harvest. Now, they look for better transport options to move their goods more efficiently. The village aims to keep expanding this trade to reach even more residents.
Updated at 30th August 2026 at 9:48am
The festival began in 2022 to put the village on the map. It has since helped the local crop gain recognition not just across Nagaland, but internationally. Beyond the Department of Horticulture, the North Eastern Council also provided essential support to build this trade.
Kevineizo Zumu, representing the Information and Publicity wing, credited the program's success to community coordination. The event featured an invocation by Neizolie Sopfunuo, a welcome address by convenor Kholie Metha, and a closing vote of thanks from village official Thinuoneio Thevo. A local performer, Vituonuo, provided music for the crowd.
Rev Dr Kevichalie Metha, who grew up in the village, challenged residents to move beyond mere gratitude. "Blessings alone could not bring success without hard work," he told the crowd, urging the community to maintain unity and avoid letting profit spark division or arrogance.
Updated at 30th August 2026 at 1:48pm
Organizers credited the North Eastern Council alongside the Department of Horticulture for providing the backing needed to scale the village trade. Former chairman Lhoulalie Zumu noted the festival, first launched in 2022, serves as the primary tool for dragging the village out of obscurity and onto the map for buyers.
Program coordination for this year’s event rested with the organizing committee. Kelhousilie Thevo served as the treasurer, while Neizolie Sopfunuo, pastor of CRC Seiyhama, performed the invocation. Kholie Metha handled the welcome address, and village official Thinuoneio Thevo delivered the final vote of thanks.
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