DIMAPUR: The 6th Millet Festival was celebrated at the public ground in Shamator Town on Thursday under the theme “Grow Millets, Grow Wellness”, bringing together farmers, community leaders, government officials and development organisations to promote millet cultivation, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. The event was jointly organised by Millet Sisters, SEWA Shamator District, North East Network (NEN) and the Millet Network of India (MINI), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Social Welfare, Shamator.
The festival was inaugurated by president of the NPF Central Farmers’ Wing and managing director of Okusa Toyota Pvt. Ltd., Y. Vikheho Swu, who attended as the special guest. Touring the exhibition stalls and farmers’ market showcasing locally grown millet products, traditional farm produce and indigenous crafts, Swu commended the organisers for promoting indigenous crops.
In his address, he stressed the need to uphold unity, brotherhood and truth among Naga tribes, while highlighting the nutritional and sustainable value of millets in the face of global health challenges. He noted that India is the world’s largest producer of millets and urged Nagaland’s farmers to expand cultivation, adopt modern technologies and preserve traditional jhum practices. He expressed hope that Nagaland’s new Agriculture Policy would improve livelihoods and encourage youth to return to farming. Swu also congratulated Shamator on becoming Nagaland’s 16th district and conveyed greetings from chief minister and NPF president Dr. Neiphiu Rio.
Earlier, convenor of Millet Sisters, Tsusola, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the importance of reviving millet cultivation to strengthen food security, improve nutrition and build resilience against climate change. District Agriculture Officer, Shamator, L. Kivika Chophy, acknowledged that millet had declined in popularity with the rise of rice but noted that under the National Food Security Scheme, the department was actively promoting millet cultivation.
He pointed out that Nagaland’s millet productivity is higher than the national average of 15–16 quintals per hectare and encouraged farmers to increase cultivation for nutritional and economic benefits.
The keynote address was delivered by advisor of SEWA Nagaland and vice president of SEWA Bharat, Wekoweu Tsuha (Akole), who called for greater community participation in millet farming and women-led agricultural initiatives. The festival also recognised outstanding farmers, with president of Yimkhiung Women Organisation (YWO), K. Ester, presenting the highest millet producer award to Yinsola Yimkhiung of Medical Ward. “Farmers’ Voice” was shared by Anong Lucy of Leangkongru Village, who spoke on experiences in millet cultivation and community-based farming.
Competitions in millet baby food mixes and general millet categories were held, with prizes distributed by DPO and DNO of the Social Welfare Department, Shamator, Renchano Odyuo. The programme was chaired by SSK in-charge Shamator, Tantsula K. Elizabeth and began with an invocation by pastor Wati of Ao Baptist Fellowship. The cultural segment featured performances by Yantsula & Friends and the Mongtsuwong Cultural Troupe, who presented a traditional folk tune of millet, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The festival also included an exhibition-cum-sale of millet products, local produce and traditional crafts, alongside a cooking competition held earlier in the day. The vote of thanks was delivered by Associate Project Lead of North East Network, Tshekhroweu T. Mero, followed by a benediction by catechist of St. Francis Xavier Church, Shamator, Chimjiba Martin.
