Khonoma, a small village in Nagaland, came together to celebrate its first-ever Garlic Festival, organized by the Khonoma Women Union (KWU), in partnership with the Women Resource Development Department and Horticulture and Agriculture Departments. The event aimed to promote garlic as the village’s top cash crop, highlighting its economic potential and promoting sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.
The festival brought together farmers, local officials, and special guests, who shared valuable insights on the importance of garlic production and its potential for economic growth. Rural Development Minister Metsübo Jamir emphasized the need for farmers to preserve their produce and sell at peak market prices for maximum benefit. He commended Khonoma’s strong network of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which he described as a symbol of unity and resilience. Jamir also encouraged villagers to explore entrepreneurial and skill development training, stating, “Government jobs aren’t the only path to success. We must empower ourselves through agriculture and entrepreneurship.”
KWU President Sieno Sakhrie thanked the Women Resource Development Department for making the festival a reality, highlighting garlic as the village’s most profitable crop. She noted that the festival was about recognizing the hard work of farmers, beyond the taste and health benefits of garlic. Sakhrie emphasized that the village’s success story could inspire other communities to adopt similar models of specialized agricultural production.
Commissioner & Secretary of Women Resource Development, Zhothisa Dawhuo, praised the role of women in driving economic growth and sustainability. She underscored Khonoma’s inclusion in the government’s ‘One Village, One Product’ initiative, which aims to promote the village as a leading garlic hub in Nagaland. Dawhuo expressed confidence that the village’s success could be replicated in other parts of the state.
During the festival, attendees engaged in lively discussions, cultural exchanges, and workshops, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, farm-to-market strategies, and entrepreneurship. Karen Meyasashi, Horticulture Director, encouraged farmers to leverage government schemes and policies to enhance productivity. Medovilie Ladu, Joint Director of Agriculture, stressed the importance of preserving traditional farming methods, citing jhum cultivation as a viable option to ensure long-term food security.
As the festival came to a close, the village of Khonoma marked the beginning of a new era, one that prioritizes the development of its agricultural sector and celebrates the village’s unique assets, like garlic. The event demonstrated the power of community-driven initiatives, showcasing the potential for local communities to drive economic growth and sustainability while preserving their cultural heritage.
