An “Indigenous Food Fest” was organised by North East Network (NEN) on the occasion of the “World Food Day” at Chizami under the theme “Local Food First# Towards a Zero Hunger World” on October 16.
A press release from NEN programme director, Wekoweu Tsuhah stated that, the fest was organised with the objective of promoting local food and farming system for a sustainable future. Guest speaker Orenthung Lotha, DC Phek in his speech encouraged the farmers to be proud of who they were, for growing food and sustaining communities. He highlighted about the different government programmes that support farmers, including IFAD project in Nagaland that focuses on strengthening traditional farming practices, conservation of indigenous seeds and inclusion of women in decision making.
NEN member Seno Tsuhah highlighted the global scenario of inequity in food distribution and unsustainable food production systems, which has caused malnourishment and hunger, and called on the need to “protect biodiversity, support local farmers, local food, and local economy so as to contribute towards sustainable food production and consumption, and reduce environmental impact”.
Four women farmers Koneiu Lohe, Muluvolu, Vezhotolu and Lhikoweu Chirhah shared their experiences on “Challenges and opportunities in climate resilient agriculture”.
110 participants comprising of women farmers and vendors from Phek, Dimapur and Kohima districts with community leaders, Phek district administration, members of NEN attended the Fest.
Earlier on October 15, the International Day of Rural Women, 118 women farmers and vendors, and members of NEN convened at Chizami and deliberated on the issues and challenges of women farmers in the context of climate change. The Chizami Declaration was drafted and this was submitted to the Phek DC by women farmers.
Other special highlights of the Indigenous Food Fest include the celebration of multi-Naga cuisine, folk music and the Earth Market – where women farmers came with their organic produces ie vegetables, spices, snacks, spring salt, and others to sell.