Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Shamator hosted the 6th Millet Festival at the Public Ground on Thursday. The event focused on the theme Grow Millets, Grow Wellness. Organizers aimed to boost sustainable farming and local livelihoods. The Millet Sisters, SEWA Shamator District, North East Network, and the Millet Network of India led the effort. They worked alongside the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Social Welfare.
Y Vikheho Swu, president of the NPF Central Farmers Wing and managing director of Okusa Toyota Pvt Ltd, attended as the special guest. He inaugurated the festival and toured stalls featuring traditional crafts and millet products. Swu praised the town for becoming Nagaland's 16th district. He also conveyed greetings from Chief Minister and NPF president Neiphiu Rio. Swu urged farmers to blend modern technology with traditional jhum cultivation.
India leads the world in millet production. Nagaland holds significant potential for growth. District Agriculture Officer L Kivika Chophy noted that local productivity often beats the national average of 15 to 16 quintals per hectare. The department is now supporting millet-growing villages under the National Food Security Scheme. Rice had pushed the crop aside, but officials are working to revive it.
Wekoweu Tsuha of SEWA Bharat gave the keynote address. She called for more women-led agricultural initiatives. Millet Sisters convenor Tsusola highlighted the need for better food security. K Ester of the Yimkhiung Women Organisation presented the highest producer award to Yinsola Yimkhiung of Medical Ward. Farmer Anong Lucy shared her personal experiences with the group.
The event included cooking competitions and cultural performances. Tantsula K Elizabeth chaired the program. Pastor Wati of the Ao Baptist Fellowship gave the invocation. Tshekhroweu T Mero delivered the vote of thanks. The Mongtsuwong Cultural Troupe performed a traditional folk tune. Organizers emphasized the long-term goal of the gathering. As noted by one speaker, "The festival's theme was timely as the world continues to face various health challenges."
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