Nagaland’s first Chümerie (Garlic) Festival was held with a strong focus on value addition, strategic market timing, and sustainable farming practices.
The festival was organized by the Khonoma Women Union and sponsored by department of Women Resource Development under the MYKI Village Adoption Initiative, with co-sponsorship from Horticulture and Agriculture departments.
Minister for Rural Development, Metsübo Jamir, while addressing farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), and stakeholders, emphasized the need for processing and preservation to enhance profitability and reduce dependence on fluctuating market rates.
Metsübo pointed out that garlic prices were currently low due to global harvesting cycles but advised farmers to preserve their produce and sell it when market conditions are more favorable. “Garlic is being harvested worldwide at this time, which is why its price is at the lowest. However, if you process, preserve, and sell it when the price is higher, it will be more beneficial,” he stated.
Citing his own experience in the tea industry, Metsübo shared how he sells his tea when its value is highest, reinforcing the importance of strategic market timing. “Without processing, agricultural produce may not yield sustainable profits. The time has come where processing has become very important, and if you don’t learn it, what you produce may not be very profitable,” he added.
Encouraging integrated and organic farming methods, Metsübo highlighted the benefits of organic alder-based cultivation, which allows multiple crops to be grown without leaving land idle. He also stressed the importance of preserving natural forests, stating that sustainable forest management ensures continued access to wild produce while maintaining ecological balance.
Commending Khonoma village for upholding traditional farming practices, he noted that such methods were not prevalent in many other villages.
He praised SHG initiatives, describing them as “healthy and productive”, but warned that SHGs must reach a sustainable scale to remain viable. “We are contributing whatever little help we can to support them,” he added.
Speaking on employment opportunities, Metsübo urged the youth to consider entrepreneurship and skill-based careers instead of relying solely on government jobs. He revealed that for 74 government vacancies, 80,000 applications were received, but only 2,000 candidates appeared for the exam.
“Either through God’s intervention or competitive exams, you will get a government job—otherwise, you need to seek alternative opportunities,” he remarked.
He encouraged young entrepreneurs to venture into agriculture, food processing, and related businesses, which could provide sustainable livelihood options beyond government employment.
State govt. to set up processing unit
To support garlic farmers, the minister said that the Rural Development department will prioritize convergence projects and facilitate the establishment of a small processing unit in the village for garlic paste, powder, and oil.
Jamir urged farmers to adopt a business-oriented mindset, cautioning them against selling their produce hastily at low prices.
“If you take your products to the market and sell them when the price is low, that is not business; that will put you at a loss. Preserve your produce and sell it only when the price is right, then you will be rewarded,” he advised.
The festival was chaired by Vibizono Chase, with an invocation pronounced by Rev. Tsolie Chase. The keynote address was delivered by Khonoma Women’s Union (KWU) president, Sieno Sakhrie.
Short speeches were delivered by commissioner & secretary for Women Resource Development, Zhothisa Dawhuo, director of Horticulture department and director of Agriculture department.
The festival concluded with a vote of thanks by Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW) member Kekhrienuo Mor.
The event successfully brought farmers, policymakers, and agricultural experts together to discuss market-oriented farming, processing techniques, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices in Nagaland.