Kezoma villagers urged to scale up millet cultivation

Y. Vikheho Swu and others during 1st (Ochü) Millet Festival 2025 at Kezoma village on August 30. (Morung Photo)

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 30

Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) Agri & Allied Organization President, Y Vikheho Swu today said that millets were labelled as “poor man’s food” in the past but today it has became rich man’s food because of its nutritional and health benefits.

Addressing the 1st (Ochü) Millet Festival 2025 at Kezoma village under Kohima district, Swu lauded Kezoma village for promoting millet and encouraged them to scale up for a long-term benefit.

Swu, who is also Managing Director, Okusa Toyota, thanked the Department of Agriculture and Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland in collaborating with Kezoma Village Council for the success of the Millet festival. Stating that the Food and Agriculture Organization and United Nations has recognised 2023 as International Year of Millets, Swu encouraged the villagers to scale up millet cultivation to boost the rural economy.

Swu asserted that Nagas need to balance modern farming and traditional jhum cultivation.

Traditional Jhum cultivation should not be completely abandoned as it is attached with our tradition and our way of life, he said.

“No matter how much you pursue your modern farming which is very essential now but at the same time let us not forget and drop our jhum cultivation,” Swu said.

Stressing on the need to blend the traditional practice with the modern advancement, he said “Anything we do should not be done haphazardly.”

We should be able to go along with the changes of time, he said.

Later, Swu conveyed the message of Nagaland’s agriculture advisor Mhathung Yanthan in appreciating the efforts of Kezoma villagers for promoting an important crop of millet.

“May this festival inspire pride in your traditions, strengthen community bonds, encourage wider adoption of millet, a healthier and sustainable future,” Yanthan stated.

T. Kakihe Sumi, Additional Director, Tourism department, Medovilie Ladu, Additional Director, Agriculture department and Kezoma village Council chairman Kikrosa Naki also spoke at the programme.

Ex- MLAs Er Zale Neikha and Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu and several other dignitaries also present at the inaugural function.

The programme was chaired by Kedivi Mekro while vote of thanks was proposed by Vizovo Yongo, convenor, organizing committee.
 



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