Nagaland Soybean Festival celebrated in Wokha

The first edition of the Soybean Festival was held on November 15 at Tiyi Hall in Wokha town, organized by the Nrung Longidang Village Women Organisation. The festival, themed “One Seed, Many Stories: Honouring the Past, Feeding the Future,” celebrated the significance of soybean in promoting nutrition, resilience, and economic empowerment.
In her address as the special guest, Lolano Patton, District Public Relations Officer (DPRO), Wokha, praised the visionary efforts of the women of Nrung Longidang village for initiating the festival and also acknowledged the equal participation of men in the event. She emphasized that the humble soybean seed symbolizes not only nutrition but also the potential for innovation and hope for the future.
Patton noted that while the festival honoured the past, it also focused on the future and the vast possibilities that the soybean industry holds, ranging from food security to economic empowerment. She encouraged the organisers to make the event an annual celebration and suggested that it could eventually be showcased at the Hornbill Festival, highlighting its potential as a platform for farmers and women’s groups.
Patton also encouraged local farmers to adopt large-scale farming practices, integrate modern technology, and explore government support to enhance agricultural productivity.
The event was also addressed by branch manager, NSCB Wokha, R. Asenla Ao, who attended the event as the guest of honor, lauded the women for introducing such an innovative festival with strong economic potential.
Ao highlighted the importance of financial literacy, urging participants to take advantage of insurance schemes starting at just INR 20 per year. She noted that many in the Naga community still lag behind in accessing such services and emphasized that the festival reflected the spirit of women’s empowerment, which plays a crucial role in family growth, financial security, and national development.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Phyochanbemo Ngullie and Ajanbeni Ezung and invocation by pastor in-charge of N Longidang Baptist Church, Janathung Ezung, followed by a keynote address by chairperson of the N Longidang Village Women Organisation, Janbeno Murry. Greeting message was delivered by president, Eloe Hoho, Thungbeni Ngullie.
Folk songs were presentations by Chiwothung Yinga and the N Longidang women cultural troupe. Vote of thanks was proposed by Ekonlumi Ezung. The festival also featured sales and exhibitions of soybean and its by-products, along with a buffet feast.
Following the formal proceedings, Patton inaugurated the sales and exhibition stalls, where attendees could explore various soybean-based products.