“Banana for Food, Fibre and Future”: Three-day event unites farmers, scientists, and entrepreneurs
The first edition of the Banana Festival 2025 commenced on October 22 at the Public Ground, Wokha, under the theme “Banana for Food, Fibre and Future.” Scheduled to run until October 24, the three-day event aims to promote agricultural innovation, empower farmers, and strengthen market linkages across Nagaland.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Planning & Transformation and National Highway, TR Zeliang, as the special guest. He was accompanied by Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, CL John; Minister of Women Resource Development, Salhoutuonuo Kruse; and MLA & Advisor to Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Home & Border Affairs, Yanthungo Patton, served as the chief host, with MLA and Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, and MLA Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe attending as hosts.
An important highlight of the inaugural session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the District Administration Wokha and three national research bodies: ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana, Tamil Nadu; Institute of Bioresource and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal; and CSIR–North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat. The MoU seeks to establish long-term partnerships focused on scientific farming, technological integration, production enhancement, circular economy promotion, joint research, farmer training, sustainable practices, and improved market linkages.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang expressed appreciation for the initiative. He said that the festival will serve as a platform to connect producers with consumers, boost the local and rural economy, generate employment for youth, and promote entrepreneurship. He called upon government departments to actively support such initiatives across Nagaland and emphasised sustainable approaches, praising the collaboration between state, district, and national institutions. Zeliang added that Wokha has the potential to become an economic hub and a key contributor to the state’s Gross Domestic Product. He also encouraged scientists to provide their best guidance and research support for the district’s development.
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Wokha’s identity as the “Land of Plenty.” He noted the festival’s ability to improve the rural economy by bringing together stakeholders, promoting technology access, farmer training, and market connectivity. He also commended the collective innovation of Self Help Groups and village-level farmers and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing livelihood opportunities.
Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Vineet Kumar, IAS, delivered the keynote address, detailing the festival’s conception, its alignment with the One District One Product initiative, and the potential of Wokha’s banana cultivation for agricultural growth. Agriculture Production Commissioner V. Shashank Shekhar, IAS, encouraged youth participation and farmer training to support development across agricultural sectors. Dr. S. Hazarika, Director of ICAR RC–NEH Region, described the festival as a “prime example of unity in diversity,” while TRIFED Managing Director M. Raja Murugan highlighted the role of marketing support and value addition in empowering tribal communities.
The festival features over 100 exhibition stalls showcasing banana species, banana by-products, and local innovations. Several launches were held, including a local brand Yuthi Delights, Banana Growers Network, Banana Chocolate, and information brochures on the Lotha dialect and KVK-Wokha. Cultural performances by the Nrung Longidang Village Cultural Troupe added vibrancy to the inaugural day, while interactive events such as a Banana Eating Competition and Banana Salad Making Competition engaged attendees.
Following the inaugural program, a National Workshop on Banana Plantation, Production, Value Addition, and Marketing was held at Lotha Hoho Ki, Wokha. The workshop featured a panel discussion under the theme “Envisioning 360° Banana Hill Ecosystem – Science, Policy, Market and Finance in Action.” Experts, scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders discussed integrated approaches to sustainable banana cultivation, bridging research and practice, enhancing farmer capacity, and aligning policy with market and financial support.
Over the next two days, the festival will continue with buyer-seller meets, technical training sessions for farmers, and exhibitions aimed at fostering agricultural entrepreneurship and rural development.
The Banana Festival 2025 marks a historic milestone for Wokha district and Nagaland’s agricultural sector. By bringing together policymakers, scientists, farmers, and entrepreneurs, the event sets a precedent for sustainable development, technological advancement, and economic empowerment. It is not only a celebration of the banana crop but also a testament to vision, collaboration, and the promise of a prosperous future.
