Kohima, 6 September (MTNews): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio emphasized on the need to document the rich food habits and cuisines of the Nagas. Inaugurating the first Jhum Fair cum Chiecha Licha, meaning authentic Chiecha cuisine, organized by Chiechamiapfü Mechü Krotho (Chiecha Women Organisation) at Chiechama village.
Rio lauded the Chiechama women folk for organizing the fair, showcasing various agricultural produce as well as sharing the cuisines. Rio said he was delighted to explore Chiechama cuisine which reflects the flavors, spices, and traditions of Nagaland.
Stating that the Chiecha women folk have motivated everyone through their initiatives, he hoped that this would also encourage other villages to inculcate such exemplary efforts. He also acknowledged them for promoting organic farming.
Rio said Nagaland state is blessed with good climatic conditions with abundance of fertile land suitable for cultivation of all kinds of crops. Asserting that Nagas have a unique identity, be it food, tradition and culture, the Chief Minister encouraged all to further promote the local produce and cuisine.
He said the state government has also given special emphasis on preserving the rich cultural traditions, heritage and cuisines, by holding road shows and festivals as well as acquiring GI tag to the products.
The Chief Minister hoped that this Jhum fair will continue in the days to come which will help the farmers economically. Rio also said that the state government is giving emphasis and focus to the development of Agri and allied sectors, as such, various farmers markets are being set up in major locations of various districts.
Member of the Organizing Committee, Helen Rio said, the first Jhum fair cum Chiecha Licha was conceptualized to showcase the rich agricultural products, produced by the village folk. She said, Chiechama village being the biggest village in Northern Angami 2 region, the Organization has come up with this fair as a means to encourage the local farmers by showcasing their produce and uplift them economically. Helen hoped that they will be able to host the fair annually and in a bigger platform. The Jhum fair will culminate tomorrow.