The third edition of the Potato Festival 2026, on the theme “Agri Trade Potential,” is set to be held on May 15 at the Jakhama Village Local Ground, bringing together farmers, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and agricultural experts to promote sustainable and profitable farming in Nagaland.
Addressing the media, co-convenor, Kevithüzo Tase said the festival is more than just a celebration, describing it as an important platform to unlock the agricultural potential of the state.
“This festival is not just a festival but an opportunity. Nagaland has good land, hard-working farmers, and the right climate for agriculture. We have the potential to produce more and yield more, and we can reach bigger markets,” he said.
However, he pointed out that many farmers continue to face challenges related to market access, technical knowledge, logistics, and modern technology needed to improve productivity.
“The issue is not just the farmers themselves but also the system, the mindset, and the primitive farming methods that we still follow. That is why we chose the theme ‘Agri Trade Potential’ — because we want to connect farmers to markets, bring in better knowledge and technology, and open up real business opportunities in agriculture,” Tase stated.
He added that the festival aims to encourage a more modern, profitable, and productive agricultural sector in Nagaland.
Event coordinator, Vikehiezo Kulnu informed that this year’s edition will feature a series of seminars, demonstrations, and workshops focused on agriculture, entrepreneurship, and value-added products.
Among the highlights include a demonstration on the usage of biofertilizers by BioLab Medziphema covering seeds, seedlings, root dip, and soil treatment methods.
YouthNet would conduct sessions on accessing government schemes and financial benefits, while the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) under the Agriculture Department will demonstrate banana chip production.
The Land Resources Department, Government of Nagaland would also conduct a workshop on coffee plantation and its economic prospects, while IDAN will organise an Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) with special reference to CMMFI.
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Kulnu further informed that a total of 64 stalls have been registered this year, including organic produce stalls, food stalls, handicrafts, and handloom exhibits.
“We are expecting around 20,000 kilograms of potatoes and an estimated footfall of 5,000 to 7,000 visitors. We will also be organising a series of indigenous games with exciting prizes,” he added.
Another event coordinator, Dr Teputo Richa, expressed optimism over this year’s harvest and welcomed people from across the state to attend the festival.
“This will be our third edition of the Potato Festival and we are very excited. We welcome everyone to come and join us in celebrating the festival,” he said.
Recalling last year’s poor harvest due to dry weather conditions, Richa noted that this year’s rainfall has brought renewed hope to farmers.
“Last year, there was very little rain and the harvest was not good. But this year, with good rainfall already, farmers have started harvesting and we are seeing a very promising yield,” he said.
He also informed that participants from other districts will be taking part in the event this year. Referring to previous editions, he mentioned that despite lower yields last year, the festival had still recorded encouraging sales, while the inaugural edition generated around ₹15 lakh in business.
