The 4th edition of the Cucumber Festival was held on May 8 at Aliba Village in Mokokchung District, celebrating 40 years of pioneering off-season cucumber cultivation by the village’s farming community. The one-day event showcased approximately 23,000 cucumbers, amounting to 6 to 7 metric tonnes.
Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, graced the occasion as the Special Guest, while Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor for Agriculture, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The festival featured 26 stalls set up by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), offering cucumbers, value-added agricultural products, local handicrafts, traditional food and beverages. Highlights of the event included farmer-scientist interactions, traditional games, and live music performances.
The Minister officially inaugurated the log drum house at Aliba Village, which features a massive log drum said to be the largest among the Ao community. It was inaugurated in the Presence of Mhathung Yanthan Advisor, Agriculture Government of Nagaland. The project is sponsored by the Department of Tourism Government of Nagaland.
Two outstanding farmers from the village—Merangkala Imchen (female category) and Limatoshi Kichu (male category)—were honoured for their exemplary dedication to sustainable off-season cucumber cultivation.
Minister Temjen Imna Along in his address congratulated the cucumber farmers of Aliba Village, the Village Council, and the Agri & Allied Departments, stating that their hard work has borne fruit. Quoting Mhathung Yanthan, he highlighted that “Aliba cucumbers have received a GI tag, a proud achievement for Nagaland.” He noted that the Aliba Cucumber Festival has now become part of the official tourism festival itinerary, which reflects its growing significance.
He emphasized, “It is your hard work that has brought us all here today. The Aliba Cucumber Festival is now known across the country. Let us continue with the same dedication.”
The Minister further stated, “This is just the beginning of a long journey for the people of Nagaland. With over 2,000 villages, our farmers remain the backbone of the state. When villages prosper, Nagaland prospers. When villages are united, Nagaland is united. If the throught process of our villagers upgrade, so will the state’s thought process”
He reminded the Ao community of its legacy: “We Aos often claim to be pioneers and leaders. Today, Aliba’s success places a great responsibility on all of us. Let us take this as a lesson and example.”
Referring to the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the opposition-less government, he said that agriculture has been a major policy focus. He emphasized the policy of “One Village, One Product”, noting Aliba’s success with cucumbers as a model.
“This is not to discourage exploration of other products, but rather to build a brand that can be recognized globally. Every good deed contributes to growth, and we must envision and work towards it.” He urged villagers to increase cucumber production year after year and strive to make it as organic as possible, avoiding artificial inputs.
He also encouraged villagers to seek awareness, training, and guidance to improve their methods. “Among the Ao Nagas and Nagas in general, we often try to imitate others without understanding the process. This leads to failure. We must learn before we act.”
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Highlighting the untapped potential in many villages, he said: “We have the resources, but we lack direction. Many of our setups are not generating income. We must commercialize and work towards sustainability, not just for short-term gains.”
The Minister praised the support of the Agri & Allied Department and government of Nagaland in organizing the fourth edition of the Aliba Cucumber Festival and expressed hope that the next edition will be even better.
He cited other festivals such as the Potato Festival, Garlic Festival, Kiwi Festival, and Persimmon Festival as examples to learn from. He encouraged all villages to promote livelihood through cash crops for economic progress and prosperity.
Concluding, he stressed the importance of consistency and commitment in agricultural work and underlined the significance of fixing dates for such festivals. “Hornbill Festival is successful because its dates are fixed and known. An itinerary helps attract more visitors. Let us take note and plan accordingly.”
Advisor Mhathung Yanthan in his address expressed deep admiration and joy in being part of the Aliba Cucumber Festival. He stated:
“The sweet, soft, off-season cucumber of Aliba has become a symbol of agricultural transformation in Nagaland. Its GI registration proves it is not just a crop—it is the identity of Aliba and a proud product of Nagaland.”
He congratulated the farmers and pioneers of Aliba and Chungtia for their innovation, knowledge, and dedication, stating that the cucumber’s popularity was not by chance, but the result of hard work and vision.
“Agriculture, when nurtured with love, care, and innovation, becomes a movement of prosperity and identity. Aliba has shown us the way,” said Yanthan.
He emphasized that this celebration is more than just about selling cucumbers—it is a platform for farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and consumers to witness the potential of the land and the people. “If Aliba can, why not other villages? If not cucumbers, then other unique crops. God has blessed us with fertile land, favorable climate, and rich biodiversity—every district has its own potential,” added the Advisor who urged other villages across Nagaland to replicate Aliba’s success and stressed the importance of sustainability in agricultural practices. Appealing for protection of biodiversity and long-term benefits for the community, Yanthan also drew inspiration from the Aliba cucumbers which has shown that unity, resilience, and innovation can lead to transformation.
On behalf of the Government of Nagaland, he conveyed pride in the achievements of Aliba and reaffirmed support for farmers under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. “Our government is committed to the welfare of our farmers. Agriculture is given the highest priority in our policies and plans. We are with you, for you, and will continue to support you in every possible way.”
