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Our Correspondent
Tuensang, Feb. 9 (EMN): Naturally Nagaland and Noklak Handicraft Festival 2022 on the theme “Toward sustainability” was celebrated on Wednesday at Noklak town public ground with Y Kikheto Sema, Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), as the special guest.
Describing the Khiamniungan community as humble and hardworking people and has, so far, not caused any inconvenience to the law and order in the state, Kikheto encouraged them to continue the same. He expressed that Naturally Nagaland was a commitment made by the state government particularly after the pandemic on realising that “we cannot always depend on other states for all our basic needs and that we should have a sustainable economy of our own.”
He also mentioned how the former Nagaland chief secretary, Temjen Toy, had a burning desire for the success of this festival. He also encouraged producing organic products.
Kikheto also informed that the state government has decided to set up stalls across districts under the name ‘Naturally Nagaland’ to encourage young entrepreneurs, FPO and SHG.
The festival was officially inaugurated on July 9, 2021, and November 1, 2021, by the state government with stalls at Dimapur and Kohima respectively which showcased products of the entrepreneurs.
Sema underscored that the farming community should not only depend on the traditional method of agriculture but adapt with changing times. He said, “Nagas for ages have exploited and misused the soil and depleted the soil of its nutrients without taking care of its health. Therefore, the time has come for us to change our ways.”
He stated that farmers should not depend on the government alone but also work with sincerity for their survival and stand on their own feet. He has appreciated the district administration and all the participants stating that it was one of the best exhibitions he had attended.
Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner of Noklak, Hiazu Meru, in his introductory note, mentioned that the Noklak Handicraft Festival was organised as the district is rich, unique and refined in handicraft products as well as to promote the potential of the region.
“Though there are enough products in the district, the people face difficulty in reaching out to markets. Therefore, this platform has been created,” he added.
President of Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), M Thangou, and the president of Noklak Handloom and Handicraft Council, S Khumo, also spoke during the programme. A song was presented by Harmanas Band and the invocation prayer was said by Hempao Lam, KBCA executive secretary.
The festival was followed with a musical extravaganza at Tourist Resort, Noklak, with the participation of various local artistes.
A training for tourist guides was also conducted by officials from Nagaland Tours and Guide Association. Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Co-operation Limited (NHHDC) also distributed tool kits to the artisans before the main event.