Kohima: The 3rd edition of the Naga King Chilli (Raja Mircha) Festival was celebrated on Friday at Seiyhama village. The event saw an impressive turnout, with hundreds of kilograms of fresh raja mircha selling out shortly after the festival’s opening at the village council hall.
Seiyhama village is a prominent producer of the fiery Naga King Chilli, which received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008.
The festival, graced by Meyasashi, the Director of Horticulture, highlighted the importance of farming in the state. “Farming is vital for our people,” he said, noting that the Agri Allied Department is working to support farmers through various schemes. He also emphasized the importance of developing a strong brand for Naga King Chilli that has earned international recognition and suggested promoting Naga Mircha at the annual Hornbill Festival to increase its visibility.
The village council chairman and festival organizer, Lhoulalie Zumu, shared that before the festival, farmers faced challenges with market access. “Initially, villagers grew raja mircha for personal use and sold it in Kohima at low prices,” he explained. “The festival was introduced to provide a better market for their produce.”
The festival has not only created a market for raja mircha but also raised awareness about Seiyhama. “Our raja mircha is known for its quality and heat, which has attracted people to our village,” Zumu said. “Farmers are now able to sell their produce at higher prices, which has improved their livelihoods and enabled some families to send their children to study outside the village.”
In 2022, 119 households participated in cultivating raja mircha. This year, around 150 households are involved, with more villagers expressing interest. After a disappointing 2023 due to crop spoilage, Zumu hopes for a successful harvest this year.
Kelhousilie Thevo, treasurer of the organizing committee, assured that Seiyhama’s products, including raja mircha, are “purely organic.” He mentioned that 148 households are cultivating raja mircha this year, expecting a harvest of 140,000 kg, potentially worth INR 70 lakh.
