‘ONE SEED, MANY STORIES’: Soybean Festival celebrated in Wokha

Morung Express News
Wokha, November 15

The Nrung Longidang (N Longidang) Village Women Organisation organised the Soybean Festival at Tiyi Hall, Wokha, under the theme “One seed, many stories: Honouring the past, feeding the future” on November 15.

Speaking at the event as the special guest, Lolano Patton, District Public Relation Officer (DPRO) Wokha, lauded the vision and wisdom of the womenfolk of N Longidang village for initiating the festival.

She also acknowledged the support of the menfolk, noting the equal participation witnessed during the programme. Patton said the theme captured the essence of soybean as a humble seed symbolising nutrition, resilience, innovation, and hope.

“As we honour the past, we remember our forefathers and communities who laid the foundation for today’s progress. As we look to the future, we embrace the endless possibilities that one single seed can bring—from food security to economic empowerment. One seed has the power to change, unite and feed the future,” she stated.

Encouraging the organisers to make the festival an annual event, Patton expressed hope that it would inspire many success stories for farmers, women groups, and the district at large. She further advised farmers to adopt large-scale farming, integrate modern technology, and explore government linkages, adding that the festival could one day be featured at the Hornbill Festival.

Guest of honour R Asenla Ao, Branch Manager of NSCB Wokha, commended the womenfolk for introducing a unique concept with economic potential. Stressing on financial literacy, she encouraged participants to avail insurance schemes starting from as low as INR 20 per year, pointing out that many Nagas still lag behind in accessing such benefits. Ao added that the festival embodied the spirit of women empowerment, which she described as the backbone of family welfare, financial stability, and broader national progress.

Earlier, the programme began with an invocation by Janathung Ezung, pastor in-charge of N Longidang Baptist Church, followed by a keynote address from Janbeno Murry, chairperson of the N Longidang Village Women Organisation. Greetings were delivered by Thungdeni Ngullie, president of Eloe Hoho. Cultural presentations included folk songs by Chiwothung Yinga and the N Longidang women cultural troupe.

The event was chaired by Phyochanbemo Ngullie and Ajanbeni Ezung, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Ekonlumi Ezung. The festival also featured sales and exhibitions of soybean and its by-products, followed by a buffet feast.