Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio visits 1st Jhum Fair cum Chiecha Licha at Chiechama village on September 6. (Morung Photo)
1st Jhum Fair cum Chiecha Licha 2023
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 6
Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today lauded Naga women for their efforts in promoting organic farming and urged everyone to keep promoting local produce and cuisine.
Gracing the 1st Jhum Fair cum Chiecha Licha (Food fair) under the aegis of Chiechamiapfü Mechü Krotho (Chiechamia Women Organisation) in Chiechama village under Kohima district, he said the State Government on its part have also been encouraging and promoting organic farming in the state.
Rio assured that the government will extend all possible help to progressive farmers for strengthening organic farming in the state.
The fair showcased variety of organic products including spices, pickles, Chiechama cuisine, agriculture tools and equipments etc.
To strengthen market linkage of agriculture produces in Northern Angami region, Rs 40 lakh each has been earmarked for construction of farmers market in Chiechama, Zhadima and Botsa, Rio announced.
He also stressed on the need to document the rich culture, dresses and Naga cuisines.
Nagas have a distinct identity in terms of traditions, culture and ethnic food habits, he added.
Nagaland lagging behind in industrial sector
Meanwhile Rio said that the State is lagging behind in the industrial sector due to the unresolved Naga political issue.
He said that there are some locally made products available under the label "Made in Nagaland," although commercialisation is still low.
Nagaland is blessed with favorable climatic conditions and fertile land, making it suitable for the cultivation of various crops, Rio maintained.
He expressed happiness over some families from Chiechama village, earning more than Rs 1 lakh through commercial farming.
Further, the Chief Minister complimented the villager for taking up millet farming on a successful note, which he added, has impacted the worldwide declaration of 2023 as International Year of Millets.
Food and Agriculture Organisation and United Nations have recognised 2023 as International Year of Millets for awareness about health and nutritional benefits of millets
About Jhum fair cum Chiecha Licha
Helen Rio, a member of the organising committee told media persons that Jhum Fair cum Chiecha Licha aim to celebrate and promote the agricultural products of Chiechama village.
The fair aimed to support and uplift the local farmers by showcasing and selling their organic products, she said.
The fair serve as a platform to highlight and promote these agricultural products and also aim to create awareness to the visitors about the rich agricultural diversity of Chiechama village and the benefits of organic products, she informed.
Chiechama, being one of the largest villages in the Northern Angami II Assembly Constituency, is blessed with vast agricultural land and fertile soil and these natural resources make it suitable for cultivating a wide variety of vegetables, she said.
Among the famous agricultural products of the village are Chiechama chillies, banana, local onions, pumpkin, cucumbers and tree tomatoes.
The fair encouraged the village farmers and help uplift their economy and provide an opportunity for the farmers to directly connect with customers and receive recognition for their hard work and dedication, Helen said.
Some of the local farmers are supplier of organic vegetables to Kohima and Dimapur markets, with some fetching income upto Rs. 1 lakh - Rs. 2 lakh per annum, she informed.
She said the Chiechamiapfü Mechü Krotho aim to make this fair as an annual feature.
Earlier, Chiechamiapfü Mechü Krotho President Neikuonuo Rüpreo delivered welcome address.
Kaisa Rio, wife of Chief Minister gave away prizes to the winners of cereals, vegetables, fruits, spices and tuber crops competition.
Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, ministers, advisors, MLAs and top government officials also graced the fair.
The Fair will continue till September 7.
