The first “Nagaland Potato Festival” will be held on May 10, 2024 at Jakhama local ground, Kohima with a goal of celebrating the organic products of Nagaland.
In a press conference held on Tuesday at Oakland Boutique Hotel, D. Block Kohima, event director Dr. Teputo Richa informed that Nagaland Potato Festival aims to give the local potatoes of Nagaland a window of advertisement and exposure.
He said that Nagaland has 70% of its population engaged and dependent on Agriculture and it was high time to introduce modern farming to the local farmer for easier farming.
The festival will boost the economy of the farmers and villagers by creating a market with the flow of visitors who can be both local as well as tourist.
The festival will also create partnership with the concern government departments and NGOs through which important schemes and benefits for the farmers can be shared.
Networking and Collaboration: Foster partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and private sector entities, to leverage resources, share knowledge, and create a supportive ecosystem for agriculture-based enterprises.
Explore Market: Facilitate the establishment of market linkages by connecting farmers with potential buyers, retailers, and exporters.
Conduct market research to identify demand patterns and explore new market opportunities.
He mentioned that the festival aimed at enhancing farmers’ income by promoting the establishment of agriculture-based enterprises; to facilitate the development of value-added products through capacity building and technical support; to establish sustainable market linkages and improve farmers’ access to both domestic and international markets; to provide financial assistance and access to credit for farmers interested in starting or expanding their enterprises; and to promote sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
Dr. Richa also highlighted that their festival will coincide with the potato harvest time where there are two times to harvest potato, in the paddy field, it is cultivated in January and mountain region around April to September.
Event manager Mr. Vikukhoto Rolnu highlighted that they are looking forward for around 5000 footfall and it will include traditional games, music, biggest potato and highest yield award. They are expecting hundred plus stalls and vendors, varieties of potatoes across the state, demonstration on potato plantation, sale of organic potatoes at reasonable price.
They also invited potato farmers from all over Nagaland to come and participate. There registration fee is Rs.100 for participation. They also invite the other organic farmers to come forward with their organic vegetables and sale.
Event co-ordinator Mhasheneinu Zao Richa also briefed on the history and culture of potato farming in their region.
(Correspondent)