Longmatra hosts vibrant Mango Festival 2025
The much-anticipated Longmatra Mango Festival 2025 was held at Longmatra Town on July 19, celebrating not just the fruit itself but the spirit of community, sustainability, and rural enterprise.
The event was graced by MLA and Advisor S Kiusumew Yimchunger as the Special Guest. Temsuwati Longkumer, NCS, Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire, attended as the Guest of Honour.
In his welcome address, Takatemjen Pongen, NCS, Extra Assistant Commissioner of Longmatra and a passionate advocate of organic practices, hailed the mango as the “sovereign of fruits.” He said that the festival goes beyond indulgence, adding that it is a vision for the days ahead. He said that such platforms bolster tourism, particularly eco-tourism and culinary travel, and lauded the farmers as the true heroes of the land. “This day is yours,” he declared, calling for collective joy and pledging, “this is only the beginning.”
A special showcase by Longmatra Area Public Organization set the tone for the programme, followed by succinct addresses from various stakeholders.
Throngethe, President of Longmatra Area Gaonbura Union, extended heartfelt thanks to all contributors for making the Mango Festival a reality. Expressing elation over selling their produce for the first time, he sought government support for essential agricultural machinery and encouraged exploration of other fruit cultivation ventures.
Sentinungba Longchar, District Horticulture Officer (DHO), Kiphire, in a spirited tone, said that Nagaland may be known as the land of festivals, but Kiphire is emerging as the “land of mangoes and apples.” He elucidated the economic and nutritional value of mango cultivation, shared best practices for sapling care, and revealed plans to introduce improved mango varieties in the region.
A melodic interlude by Albert SJingrü offered a cultural pause before the guest dignitaries took the stage.
Guest of Honour Temsuwati Longkumer applauded LAPU, LASU, the GBs, and all involved for transforming a dream into action. He acknowledged the festival’s potential to shine beyond Nagaland, and encouraged young minds to tap into the rich soil and agricultural promise of the district. Speaking on themes like cluster farming, organic branding, and agro-tourism, he stated that land stewardship is key to rural prosperity.
Special Guest S Kiusumew Yimchunger praised the unity and determination that made the festival possible. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empower farmers and advocated for value-added production to prevent wastage. Echoing pride over Kiphire’s emerging reputation through Kholar, Apple, and now Mango festivals, he envisioned Longmatra as a ‘Mango Village’, and called for sustained dedication and innovation.
Irothe T Sangtam, President of the Longmatra Area Students’ Union, asserted that the festival serves as both a celebration and a springboard for economic empowerment. Urging the youth to dream beyond geographical boundaries, he championed sustainable agriculture, organic practices, and rural entrepreneurship as tools for growth and self-reliance.
