From making candy with wild apples to squash preservation: Evangelist Y Pongjei Konyak’s rural initiatives

Y Pongjei Konyak, an evangelist under the Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Bangjüm (KBBB), has been spearheading initiatives to promote self-reliance and environmental conservation in rural areas of Nagaland. Hailing from Ukha village in Mon District, Konyak has combined his spiritual mission with community development, addressing unemployment and resource management issues in villages.

Konyak’s journey in ministry began in 2005 when he served as a lecturer in the vernacular section at Mon Theological College. In 2012, he took on the role of Sunday School Secretary at KBBB, a position he held until 2020. Since then, he has been working as an evangelist, traveling across villages and closely observing their challenges.

Bridging faith and development
“While visiting different churches, I saw the immense resources in our villages—land, raw materials—but no guidance on how to utilize them. I felt it was my responsibility to take this up while sharing the word of God,” Konyak shared with MT. Witnessing high unemployment rates and economic struggles in these areas, he prayed for a way to help and sought ways to empower rural communities through sustainable practices.

A key focus of his work has been promoting environmental and ecological knowledge . “I don’t do a lot of physical work myself, but I sit and talk with villagers. We figure out what crops grow well in their region and discuss farming methods that do not rely on chemicals,” he explained.

Preserving traditional knowledge
In 2022, Konyak launched his first initiative in Tobu Area with the help of Tobu Area Theological Fellowship. He noticed that the ‘Sumac’ tree (Tenga or Rhus coriaria), a valuable traditional medicinal plant, was being cut down in many villages. Recognizing its significance, he and his team decided to take action. “Instead of letting it disappear, we wanted to preserve it while also spreading awareness about its benefits,” he said.

To achieve this, he mobilized theology graduates who were unemployed, encouraging them to participate in the initiative. They ventured into the forest, collected Sumac berries, processed it into powder, and packaged it. “It wasn’t just about preservation; it was also about educating people on how valuable Sumac is, both medicinally and culturally,” Konyak explained. The project served as both a conservation effort and a means of utilizing idle manpower for a productive cause.

His efforts extended to Monyakshu village, where wild apples grow in abundance. With the help of experts, he introduced a training program to teach villagers how to make candy from wild apples. “We saw potential in the wild apples and invited experts to train us in candy-making,” he explained. Since Konyak himself was not directly involved in the physical process, the work was entrusted to theology graduates who were unemployed and looking for opportunities.

The initiative turned out to be a rewarding experience, especially for schoolchildren. “Children collected wild apples and were paid Rs 50 per basket. They also earned Rs 1 per apple they peeled, sliced, and boiled. Parents told me they were happy because their children could buy notebooks, pencils and snacks with their earnings,” Konyak shared.

Understanding the need for sustainability, Konyak collaborated with the Eco Club Monyakshu, students, and knowledgeable individuals in 2024 to raise awareness about the importance of wild apple trees. They established a nursery for saplings to ensure long-term preservation. “Wild apple trees tend to bear fruit every alternate year. In 2022, the yield was abundant, but in 2023, it declined, only to increase again in 2024. Due to a lack of awareness, many trees were being cut down. To counter this, we focused on conservation efforts by setting up a nursery and propagating saplings,” he noted.

Additionally, Monyakshu has an abundance of chayote squash, even from October to December. Recognizing its potential, Konyak and his team launched a project to preserve squash so that it remains available until April, ensuring longer usability and market value.

Building livelihoods through honey production
Back in his home village, Ukha, honey production was another area Konyak sought to improve. “People collected honey in rum bottles and sold them, which was not proper for marketing. We approached the Nagaland Honey Mission for training, and in December 2024, they taught us how to extract honey hygienically and package it in glass bottles,” he explained. This initiative not only improved product quality but also hoped to encourage villagers to reduce alcohol consumption.

Future aspirations and support
Despite his growing impact, Konyak remains uncertain about formally establishing an organization. “At present, I cannot say whether I can start a society because I am under an Association. This is something I do out of personal interest, but I want to encourage people to be self-reliant,” he stated.

Encouragingly, the Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA) has pledged to provide dryers for wild apples, addressing concerns about dust contamination during the drying process. However, securing a stable market for the processed products remains a challenge. “Earlier, a friend of mine bought the products, but I can’t say anything for a consistent market,” he admitted.

Konyak remains optimistic about the impact of his initiatives, citing recent reports that women are now reserving Sumac trees in the forest due to growing awareness of their value. “This is a positive sign,” he remarked, emphasizing that collaboration and community involvement are key to sustainable rural development.

With a unique blend of faith and grassroots entrepreneurship, Konyak’s work continues to inspire and uplift rural communities, proving that small, collective efforts can lead to lasting change.

MT