Tovihoto Ayemi and others during 5th Rüsoma Orange Festival 2026 at Rüsoma village on January 30. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 30
A two day long 5th edition of the Rüsoma Orange Festival 2026 commenced on January 30 at Rüsoma Local Ground under the theme “Abundance of Rüsoma.”
Out of 570 households in the village, 470 households involve in orange farming at present. Rüsoma lies 10 km away from the state capital Kohima.
Addressing the inaugural function as the special guest, H Tovihoto Ayemi, Advisor, Department of Tribal Affairs & Election, Government of Nagaland, expressed his happiness over the grand festival being organised and appreciated the sincere efforts of the villagers.
Ayemi called upon the villagers to maintain consistency in organizing this orange festival and encouraged the youth to actively participate in the progress and development of the village.
At the same time, he emphasized that traditional wisdom and indigenous knowledge should be integrated with modern technology.
Highlighting the contribution of horticulture to the state economy, the Advisor said that the concerned departments are identifying its potential and encouraged the people to make the best use of the facilities and initiatives being introduced by the government.
Likewise, he also called for strengthening the horticulture sector for ensuring food security, improving rural livelihoods, and driving economic growth.
Ayemi maintained that the state government has placed a high priority on farmers' welfare, with various programs and policies aimed at upgrading and uplifting their livelihoods.
Visier Vimera, convenor, organising committee said that the Riisoma Orange Festival has made possible through the generous contributions from all sponsors' department, i.e Agriculture, Horticulture, Land Resources, Art & culture, Tourism, Rural Development; besides the hard work and consistent effort from all Orange growers, artisans and all progressive farmers, the Village Council, the Youth and Students from this Village, the Women Group, Orange Growers Society, entrepreneurs and all the participants.
Medonei-u üsou invoked God’s blessings while Medokhrieü Pfukri presented special number. Neimezo Tachü and Neisatuonuo Zhale compered the inaugural function. The orange is being sold at an upper limit of Rs. 140 per kg, and below.
Visitors who wish to visit the orange Orchards can also contact the guides/organizers. This two day long festival also feature activities such as cultural presentation, fun games and stalls for fast food, local cuisines, orange saplings etc.
The festival aims to promote the welfare of the village, encourage rural entrepreneurship and to recognise the hard labour of orange growers and also to propagate the taste of Rüsoma Oranges.
The stall will keep open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on both days.
