The 1st edition of the Banana Festival 2025 got underway today at the public ground, Wokha, drawing farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers under the theme “Banana for Food, Fibre and Future.” The three-day event, from October 22 to 24, marks a defining moment in Nagaland’s agricultural journey one that seeks to transform banana cultivation into a driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, and rural prosperity.
Organised by the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB), Wokha, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Wokha, ICAR, and various state line departments, the festival is envisioned as a convergence of research, technology, and market linkages to empower farmers.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Planning & Transformation and National Highways, TR Zeliang, as the Special Guest. He was joined by Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, CL John, Minister of Women Resource Development, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, and MLA and Advisor to Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Home & Border Affairs, Yanthungo Patton, served as the Chief Host, while MLA and Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, and MLA, Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, attended as hosts.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the District Administration, Wokha, and three premier national research institutions ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Tamil Nadu; Institute of Bioresource and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal; and CSIR–North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Jorhat.
The partnership aims to establish long-term collaborations focusing on scientific farming, technological integration, sustainable practices, circular economy models, and enhanced market access.
A platform to transform rural economy: Zeliang
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang lauded the organisers for conceptualising a forward-looking festival that places farmers at the heart of progress. He described the event as “a platform to connect producers and consumers, boost the rural economy, create employment, and foster entrepreneurship.”
He urged departments and stakeholders to extend full support to agricultural initiatives, not just in Wokha but across the State, while stressing that sustainable farming practices must become the cornerstone of Nagaland’s development. Calling upon scientists to lend their expertise, he said, “Let us move towards skill-based, knowledge-driven growth where innovation meets the grassroots. This festival will unlock opportunities not just for the present, but for the future.”
Agriculture must move beyond subsistence: Patton
In his address, Chief Host, Yanthungo Patton applauded the spirit of collaboration behind the event, noting that the festival symbolises “a collective movement to empower farmers through knowledge, technology, and market linkages.”
“We are living in a time when agriculture must move beyond subsistence—it must evolve into an enterprise that connects farmers with technology, finance, and innovation,” he emphasised. Patton also called upon youth, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to collaborate towards sustainable development, aligning the initiative with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047.
The story behind the festival
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Vineet Kumar, IAS, recounted how the idea for the Banana Festival took shape a year ago during consultations on improving farmers’ income through specialised product development. Banana was identified as the district’s signature crop owing to its ideal soil and climatic conditions.
He revealed that Wokha produces the largest quantity of bananas in Nagaland, and its variety is noted for its distinctive taste and quality.
Unveiling the district’s Five-Year Vision Document for Banana Development, Kumar stated that Wokha aims to become a “premium hub for high-quality banana cultivation” through research, sustainability, and value addition.
As part of ongoing efforts, a model block intervention and baseline survey have been conducted, with proposals for a Common Facilitation and Innovation Hub at Doyang. Training and exposure visits have already been carried out including a study tour to ICAR–NRCB Tamil Nadu and CPCRI Kerala, where farmers learned about advanced production and processing techniques.
ICAR–NRCB has since transferred two microbial consortium technologies and three value-added product technologies banana chips, dehydrated banana figs, and low-sodium banana pickles to Wokha, free of cost.
Kumar also announced the launch of ‘Yuthi Delights’, a local banana-based brand, along with the Banana Growers’ Network, Banana Chocolate, and brochures in both Lotha dialect and KVK-Wokha editions.
He closed his address with the African proverb, “If you want to walk fast, go alone. If you want to walk far, walk together,” underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines the festival.
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A convergence of knowledge and culture
Agriculture Production Commissioner, V Shashank Shekhar, IAS, praised the Wokha administration and its partners for creating a space that blends research, entrepreneurship, and policy.
Similarly, Dr S Hazarika, Director of ICAR RC–NEH Region, called the festival “a symbol of unity in diversity,” stressing that banana cultivation in the North East faces challenges of low productivity and limited technology adoption that can only be overcome through partnership and innovation.
M Raja Murugan, Managing Director of TRIFED, shared the federation’s ongoing efforts to empower tribal communities through market support and value addition.
Over 100 exhibition stalls are on display, featuring banana varieties, by-products, technologies, and innovations from different parts of the region. The opening day saw a lively performance by the Nrung Longidang Village Cultural Troupe, and interactive events such as the Banana Eating and Banana Salad Making Competitions added a festive touch.
Following the inauguration, a National Workshop on Banana Plantation, Production, Value Addition and Marketing was held at Lotha Hoho Ki, Wokha, under the theme “Envisioning 360° Banana Hill Ecosystem Science, Policy, Market and Finance in Action.” The workshop brought together experts and policymakers to deliberate on bridging the gap between research and field practices, strengthening farmer capacity, and enhancing value chains.
The Banana Festival 2025 will continue till October 24, featuring exhibitions, technical sessions, cultural showcases, and hands-on demonstrations all aimed at redefining the future of farming in Nagaland through the humble yet powerful banana.
