KOHIMA, March 15: Khonoma village in Nagaland marked a historic milestone with the celebration of the state’s first-ever Chümerie (Garlic) Festival on Friday. Organized by the Khonoma Women Union and supported by the Department of Women Resource Development and the Horticulture and Agriculture Departments, the festival celebrated agricultural progress while emphasizing the crucial role of women in driving rural development.
Metsübo Jamir, the Minister for Rural Development, attended as the special guest and highlighted the importance of processing and preserving agricultural produce for sustainable profitability. He announced plans to establish a garlic processing unit in Khonoma, which would allow farmers to produce garlic paste, powder, and oil. Jamir encouraged farmers to adopt market-driven strategies, stressing that proper processing could help them sell their produce at higher prices, even after the global harvest season when prices usually drop.
The Minister also advocated for organic alder-based farming and the integration of multiple crops alongside alder cultivation, promoting both land optimization and forest conservation. Jamir further recognized the contributions of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the village’s economic progress but cautioned that smaller SHGs might struggle to remain viable in the long term. He urged the youth to focus on entrepreneurship and skill development, given the rising competition for government jobs in the state.
To support local farmers, Jamir announced the provision of a Tata Mobile vehicle to assist with the transportation of goods, alongside the government’s ongoing investment in agricultural projects. The garlic processing unit, set to be a game-changer for Khonoma’s farming community, aims to boost local farmers’ earnings and promote modern, sustainable agricultural practices.
