The second edition of The Village Fair in Chozuba brought farmers, entrepreneurs, government departments, financial institutions and community organisations together on Tuesday, with speakers calling for greater focus on agriculture-based enterprise, value addition and sustainable rural livelihoods.
Held under the Local Area Development Fund (LADF) 2026, the fair was organised by The Green Village Link (GVL) in collaboration with agriculture and allied departments, NABARD, banks, ICAR-KVK Porba, NSRLM and other institutions. The event featured more than 90 stalls, medical check-ups and cooking and baking competitions.
MLA and Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan said Nagaland’s fertile soil, favourable climate, traditional knowledge and hardworking population provided a strong foundation for agricultural development, but farmers needed to adopt science, technology and modern methods.
He called for a shift from subsistence farming to enterprise and greater emphasis on value addition, aggregation, markets and pricing. He also highlighted opportunities for young people in processing, packaging, logistics, agricultural machinery, digital services, marketing and agritourism.
Yanthan called for greater coordination among government departments and institutions and said the impact of the fair should be reflected in better market access for farmers, institutional support for entrepreneurs and sustainable enterprises among self-help groups.
He suggested that Chozuba could emerge as a model for farmer-led rural enterprise, citing its production of kiwi, persimmon and honey and its potential for beekeeping. He also called for greater mechanisation and crop diversification in response to changing climatic conditions and labour shortages.
MLA and Advisor for Airways and Railways A Pongshi Phom expressed concern over the movement of people from villages to urban centres despite the availability of natural resources in rural areas. He called for greater use of local resources through scientific approaches, including natural and organic farming, while stressing the importance of preserving traditions, culture and heritage.
Host MLA and Advisor Kudecho Khamo said the fair was aimed at encouraging farmers and entrepreneurs and providing greater opportunities. He highlighted the “One Family, One Project” and “One Family, One Entrepreneur” initiatives and stressed the need to connect local producers with buyers.
Khamo also urged farmers and entrepreneurs to strengthen relationships with banks, financial institutions and marketing agencies, noting that government employment could not accommodate everyone.
Chakhesang Public Organisation president Vezuhu Keyho encouraged the community to focus on sustainable livelihoods and urged farmers to adopt organic and natural farming practices.
