Neibalie Rio and others with Chiechamiapfü Mechü Krotho during 3rd Jhum Fair 2025 at Chiechama on August 8. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Chiechama | August 8
The 3rd Jhum Fair 2025 under the aegis of Chiechamiapfü Mechü Krotho (CMK) attracted a huge footfall at Chiechama Amphitheatre under Kohima district on August 8. The Jhum Fair provided platform to the farmers especially the women folk to sell their products which are locally grown at Chiechama.
Neibalie Rio, Special Officer to the Chief Minister of Nagaland graced the occasion as the special guest and later inaugurated Marketing Shed project of the CMK. “Agriculture is the mainstay and primary livelihood of Nagaland state. More than 70% of the total population is engaged in farming activities,” Rio said while addressing the gathering. He said that terrace and jhum cultivation are the two methods by which crops are grown in the state of Nagaland.
Realizing the importance of agriculture in the state, the government provides fund this sector ever year and implements various scheme and programme to reach out to the farmers. Like any other part of the state, Chiechama Village has also benefited a lot through these initiatives, he said.
As per record received from the Department of Agriculture under Chiephobozou SDAO, there are 6030 farmers registered under PM Kisan Scheme out of which 912 beneficiaries are from Chiechama village.
Through this scheme, a farmer will receive Rs 6000 per year in three installment (every year an amount of Rs 3,61,80,000 is transferred to farmers under Chiephobozou SDAO and from the total Chiechama farmers receive assistance of Rs 54,72,000, Rio said.
Cultivation of Job's tears
During last year under MOVCD-NER (Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region), Agriculture department targeted on cultivation of Job's tears which is being implemented at Ciethu Jhum field, for which 140 farmers from Chiechama village have registered and an amount of Rs 7000 per beneficiary through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into their account.
In 2024, he said, the village harvested around 10 MT of Job’s tears, which was marketed to New Delhi.
He said that the GoI has launched National Mission on Natural Farming in the year 2025 to promote traditional indigenous practices on sustainable farming and promote naturally grown chemical-free production.
Under this scheme, 125 farmers forming one cluster out of the five cluster in the Chiephobozou block have registered and will he receiving a support of Rs 4000 a year each in two installments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into their account.
In total, Chiechama village will receive a benefit of Rs 3 lakh under this scheme, he informed.
He said that Rural Development department through the State Rural Livelihood Mission to promote and assist fanners in agri and livestock has 312 registered SHG under Chiephobozou block (i.e. around 2311 beneficiaries) of which there are 39 SHG from Chiechama Village (i.e around 294 beneficiaries).
It is estimated that round Rs 5,81,29.000 through SRLM has been transferred to Chiephobozou block though VLO, SHG etc. Out of which, Chiechama village has received around Rs 31,08,000 so far, he said.
‘Embrace traditional agriculture practices’
Traditional agricultural practices in Nagaland have been generations and it forms a vital part of our cultural identity.
“However, it is disheartening to see that our younger generations are gradually moving away from our age-old traditional practices as they tend to migrate to urban areas in search of more comfortable lifestyle, education and employment opportunities,” Rio said.
In this, he called upon parents and elders to encourage the younger generations to embrace and preserve traditional agriculture practices and knowledge to ensure food security, self sustainability and also to keep the cultural roots alive.
“Farming with innovation and pride can become a dignified and rewarding job for the youth of Nagaland, he said.
Further, he suggested CMK to collaborate with the Village Education Committee and impart traditional agriculture practices at the school level as part of extracurricular activities. He also stressed on the need to preserve the indigenous species and to initiative a “Seed Bank.” He maintained that Chiechama is blessed with its vast territory with fertile agricultural land with suitable climate with excellent connectivity making ideal for agriculture.
“Agriculture will continue to be our economical backbone of the state. Therefore, every stakeholder should be responsibly contributed towards the upliftment and growth of the farmers,” he added.
Marketing shed
The CMK’s marketing shed was constructed at the total cost of Rs 55.70 lakh, said Thejangunuo Theiinuo.
The construction of this marketing shed was assured by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio during the 1st Jhum Fair 2023 and the same has been constructed under Special Assistance and implemented under Rural Development (RD) Block, Chiephobozou during 2024-25. RD department had sanctioned Rs 40.00 lakh while CMK spent a total amount of Rs 15.70 lakh towards this project. This project will house marketing shed, CMK office, conference hall, toilet etc.
Seyiekhrielie Rio, BDO, Chiephobozou RD Block also addressed the gathering.
In Jhum Fair competition, Sogotsu khel bagged the 1st position while Theguozou Khel and Rio Khel secured 2nd and 3rd position respectively.
Earlier, CMK President Neikuonuo Rüpreo chaired the programme while Rev Soneiu Metha, Pastor, Baptist Church Chiechama invoked God’s blessings. Pelesano Chadi and Thepfukhrietuo Rüpreo compered the programme.
