Correspondent
Kohima, Aug 29 (NPN): The 4th Organic Naga King Chilli (Raja Mircha) Festival was celebrated at Seiyhama village on August 29 with Rev. Dr. Kevichalie Metha, pastor of Peraciezie Baptist Church, Kohima, as special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Metha, who hails from Seiyhama, said the festival had brought greater recognition to the village and its king chilli produce. While attributing the community’s successful harvest to God’s grace, he acknowledged the hard work and dedication of local farmers. He noted that income generated from king chilli sales had enabled many families to sustain livelihoods and added that Seiyhama’s chilli had become a source of recognition beyond the village.
Metha stressed that blessings alone could not bring success without hard work and applauded the villagers for their dedication.
He expressed hope that more farmers would take up king chilli cultivation in the coming years, while urging the community to remain humble and united in organising such festivals.
Presenting the 2026 Farming Report, Information & Publicity representative, Kevineizo Zumu, stated that Seiyhama has 482 households, of which 180 are beneficiaries of king chilli cultivation. The village has harvested around 1,700 tins so far this year, with another 1,500 tins expected, projecting a total of 3,200 tins for 2026. The annual harvest is estimated to generate Rs.30-32 lakh, while SHG prepared products such as pickles are expected to add another Rs.1-2 lakh.
Former chairman and Festival Committee convenor, Lhoulalie Zumu, recalled that Seiyhama was little known when the first festival was organised in 2022. He said the event was initiated to introduce Seiyhama and its Raja Mircha to a wider audience, and its continued success was possible through community participation and support from the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, and the North Eastern Council. He called for stronger collaboration with the Agriculture Department to improve market linkages and address transportation challenges faced by farmers in the hilly area.
The programme was led by Kelhousilie Thevo, treasurer of the Organising Committee. Invocation was offered by Neizolie Sopfünuo, pastor CRC Seiyhama, while Kholie Metha, convenor, delivered the welcome address. A special song was presented by Vituonuo, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Thinuoneio Thevo, GB.ss