The 4th Organic Naga King Chilli (Raja Mircha) Festival was held at Seiyhama Village on Saturday, celebrating the growing contribution of king chilli cultivation to the local economy and the recognition it has brought to the village.
The festival was attended by Rev Dr Kevichalie Metha, Pastor of Peraciezie Baptist Church, Kohima, as the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Metha, who is also a native of Seiyhama, said the festival had helped bring greater recognition to the village and its king chilli produce. He attributed the community’s successful harvest to God’s grace while also acknowledging the hard work of local farmers.
He said he had learned that income from king chilli sales had enabled many families in the village to support their livelihoods. According to him, Seiyhama’s king chilli had increasingly become a source of recognition for the village beyond its immediate surroundings.
Metha stressed that blessings alone would not bring success without hard work. He applauded the villagers for their dedication and expressed hope that more farmers would take up king chilli cultivation in the coming years.
He also called on the villagers to remain humble and united, saying that a festival of this scale could not be organised by an individual alone. He urged the community to continue working together so that Seiyhama could achieve greater progress in the future.
Presenting the 2026 Farming Report, Information and Publicity representative Kevineizo Zumu stated that Seiyhama has a total of 482 households, of which 180 households are currently beneficiaries of king chilli cultivation.
The village has harvested around 1,700 tins of king chilli so far this year, with another 1,500 tins expected. The total annual harvest for 2026 is projected at around 3,200 tins.
The annual king chilli harvest is estimated to generate approximately ₹30–32 lakh in income. In addition, products such as pickles and other goods prepared by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are expected to generate another ₹1–2 lakh.
Zumu said favourable weather conditions contributed to a good harvest this year and noted that the beneficiaries had also performed well.
Lhoulalie Zumu Ex Chairman and Former Festival committee Convenor highlighted that
Seiyhama was not widely known and that the first king chilli festival was organised in 2022, when he served as the convenor.
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He said the festival was initiated with the aim of introducing Seiyhama and its Raja Mircha to a wider audience, adding that the continued success of the event had been made possible through the support and participation of the villagers.
He acknowledged the support of the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, the North Eastern Council
Zumu also called for stronger collaboration with the Agriculture Department, particularly to improve market and agricultural linkages. He pointed out that transportation remains a major challenge for farmers in the hilly area and expressed hope that the department would provide greater support and connectivity to farmers in the future.
He urged all stakeholders to continue working together to sustain the progress made through king chilli cultivation and the annual festival.
The programme was led by Kelhousilie Thevo, Treasurer, Organising Committee. The invocation was offered by Neizolie Sopfünuo, Pastor, CRC Seiyhama, while the welcome address was delivered by Kholie Metha, Convenor, Organising Committee. A special song was presented by Vituonuo, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Thinuoneio Thevo, GB.
