The Khonoma Women Union on March 14 held their first ever Chümerie (Garlic) Festival at Terhoutsiese Khonoma.
Organised by the Khonoma Women Union and sponsored by Women Resource Development under Myki Village Adoption Initiative and co-sponsored by Horticulture Department and Agriculture Department, the first garlic festival was held with the objective to celebrate the thriving garlic industry and to promote garlic farmers.
Special Guest Metsübo Jamir, Minister for Rural Development in his speech urged the farmers to promote their products by processing it and emphasized on the importance of indigenous products. He also applauded the Khonoma villagers for preserving their traditional identity. Focusing on the lack of processing units for farm produce, Jamir advised the garlic farmers not to solely focus on farming but to capitalize it with proper channels. In this regard, the Minister announced that a processing unit will be set up in the village for garlic farmers to capitalize their harvest and also donated a pick up truck for farmers to transport their products.
Zhothisa Dawhuo, Commissioner and Secretary for Women Resource Development, in his speech, said that the event served as a testament to the remarkable strides made under the MYKI Village Adoption Initiative of the Department, a programme designed to drive economic empowerment, promote self-reliance, and encourage sustainable agricultural practices within our rural communities. “Khonoma, a village renowned for its resilience, cultural heritage, and exemplary environmental conservation efforts and more importantly being conducive to Garlic Cultivation, has been rightfully chosen as the pilot location for the One Village, One Product initiative, which aligns seamlessly with the broader One District, One Product policy of the government. This initiative aims to foster economic growth and self-sufficiency by enabling villages to focus on the large-scale production of a high-value agricultural commodity, thereby enhancing
Market competitiveness and productivity,” stated Dawhuo.
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He also appreciated the hardworking farmers whose unwavering dedication has brought this initiative. As part of this progressive initiative, a seed money of thirty thousand rupees has been extended to thirty (30) dedicated women farmers, providing them with the means to undertake extensive garlic cultivation, he added.
The Garlic Festival Is more than just a celebration of agricultural success—it is a tribute to diligence, collaboration, and a vision for a prosperous future, added Dawhuo.
Sieno Sakhrie, President of KWU in her keynote address thanked WRD for helping Khonoma Villagers to bring their vision of holding the first ever garlic festival in Nagaland to life.
The event was chaired by Vibizono Chase with an invocation by Rev. Tsolie Chase. Keynote address was delivered by Khonoma Women’s Union (KWU) President Sieno Sakhrie, while short speeches were presented by Commissioner & Secretary for Women Resource Development Zhothisa Dawhuo and Directors from the Horticulture and Agriculture departments. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) member Kekhrienuo Mor.
