Nagaland Banana Festival concludes

The inaugural Banana Festival 2025, a three-day event held at Wokha Public Ground, concluded on October 24 with a vibrant showcase of exhibitions, competitions, and technical sessions aimed at boosting banana cultivation and farmer welfare.
A key highlight of the closing day was the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the district administration and partnering institutions to promote marketing platforms and skill development for farmers. The agreements are expected to enhance capacity building, foster innovation, and encourage sustainable agricultural practices in the district and beyond.
Over 100 stalls were set up during the festival, featuring diverse banana species, value-added products, and equipment such as banana fiber extraction units. Awards were presented in categories including best stall and best value addition, with winners receiving cash prizes, certificates, and agricultural machinery. Stall owners expressed satisfaction over sales and exposure gained through the event.
Technical sessions focused on input and disease control, value addition, and marketing strategies, facilitating networking between growers and buyers.
The final day drew enthusiastic crowds for the Sharpest Machete Competition, which saw 17 participants including two women. Chombenthung Tsopoe, who earlier won the banana-eating contest, clinched the machete title as well. Renphamo Tsanglao and Yanthungo Tsopoe were declared first and second runners-up respectively.
Prizes were handed over by Skill Development Officer Wokha Anuranjan Singh, District Welfare Officer James Ezung, and general manager DIC Wokha Myingthungo Kikon. The competition was supervised by Team Metamorphosis, a local NGO.