Nagaland Chief Minister inaugurates first Jhum Fair cum Chiecha Licha

KOHIMA — Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the First Jhum Fair-cum-Chiecha Licha at Chiechama village on Wednesday.

He lauded the Chiechamiapfü Mechü Krotho (CMK), the women’s association of Chiechama village, for organising the two-day fair, where in a wide range of items including jhum fresh products, vegetables, cuisine, agricultural tools, equipment, utensils, handicrafts, and flower saplings have been put up for sale.

He also emphasised the cooperative spirit of women in taking on such initiatives, highlighting the immense effort invested in making the event a reality.

Expressing satisfaction over the introduction of a competitive element aimed at encouraging farmers to showcase their best products, he was optimistic that villages across the state too will organise such events and make a positive impact.

Rio acknowledged the unique cultural and traditional aspects of the Naga community, saying that their distinct lifestyle, work and special crops hold commercial value despite the absence of industrial development due to the ongoing Naga political issue.

Maintaining that there is scope for generating income by cultivating various crops, as the land in the state is fertile, he lauded the families in Chiechama who are prospering by selling their organic vegetables and fruits.

The chief minister also dwelled on the importance of preserving and documenting traditional values, including food items of different Naga tribes with an emphasis on creating recipes that blend indigenous and global cuisines like Continental, Chinese and Indian food.

Use of pesticide

He lauded the organic nature of traditional Naga food, grown without the use of pesticides or fertilisers, thus promoting good health, while many indigenous vegetables are getting geo-tag.

In the meantime, he expressed concern over the use of pesticides in Dimapur while cultivating vegetable, suggesting the possibility of government’s intervention on the matter.

There are numerous stalls selling Naga food items in various parts of the country, contributing to the promotion of Naga culture, he said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted normal life across the world from 2019 to 2021, Rio said, many people in Nagaland returned to their villages and revive their abandoned fields, leading to a resurgence in farming and gardening.

He urged the people of Chiechama to set an example for the entire Naga community by continuing to cultivate crops and promoting their rich produce.

The chief minister assured government’s support for farming, mentioning that there is plan to establish farmers’ markets in various locations. Funds have already been allocated for construction of such markets in Chiechama, Rüsoma, Zhadima, and Botsa villages, he informed, adding that INR 40 lakh have been allocated for each village.

The event was also attended by several legislators, including NLA Speaker and 12 advisors.

The fair was also marked by competitions for various food items.

In cereal growing competition, Neipfüü Rio won the first prize while Neilhouvonuo Keditsu and Kevileü Rio secured second and third positions respectively.

In vegetable growing competition, Delhouü Mere won the first position, while Tsüü Keditsu bagged the second position and Sokhreinuo Keditsu won third prize.

In fruit growing competition, Rüyatuoü Metha won the first position, while Ruokuoviü Zumvü and Toheni Sopfü secured second and third positions respectively.

In spices growing competition, Vilhounuo Sopfü emerged winner. Khrienuo Dzeyie stood in the second position and Lahienuo Metsieo in the third.

In tubar crop growing competition, Neilavonuo Theünuo won the first position while Neituoü Metha and Keneiseü Keditsu bagged second and third positions respectively.

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