MLA, A. Pongshi Phom along with other officials visiting the stalls setup by the various SHGs and Departments during the 1st edition of Taro festival.
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 5 (MExN): The inaugural edition of the Taro Festival, a two-day event under the theme “Rooted in Culture, a Journey of Heritage,” commenced on December 5 at the public ground in Pongo village, Longleng District. The festival was organized by the Department of Horticulture, with MLA A. Pongshi Phom as the special guest.
In his address, Pongshi Phom expressed appreciation to the organizers and participants for successfully hosting the first edition of the festival. He highlighted the state’s tradition of celebrating agricultural produce through festivals, citing examples such as the Banana Festival at Wokha, Apple Festival at Thanamir, Pongro, Kiphire, Naga King Chilli Festival in Peren, Cucumber Festival at Aliba village, Mokokchung, Potato Festival in Jakhama, Kohima, and Garlic Festival in Khonoma, Kohima.
He noted the significance of taro as a staple food consumed across all sections of society and as an alternative to rice during difficult times. “Taro is also used for presentation to our near and dear ones as the finest gift. Pongo village produces one of the finest taros and it is being consumed by people living in other parts of the state too,” he said, adding that the festival would be a stepping stone towards socio-economic development in the district.
The MLA stressed the need for confidence and hard work among the youth, urging them to explore self-employment and entrepreneurship. He cautioned against seeking shortcuts to success and criticized illegal taxation that hinders young entrepreneurs. He encouraged judicious implementation of government welfare schemes to boost the local economy.
Appealing to Pongo villagers, Pongshi Phom called for unity and cooperation with government agencies for the progress of the village. He also outlined plans as part of the festival, including construction of marketing and storage/packaging facilities, identification of marketing and transporting agencies, provision of tools and equipment, healthcare facilities for farmers, promotion of scientific cultivation techniques, and granting of subsidies and aids. He also inaugurated the Horticulture marketing shed.
DC Longleng, W Manpai Phom NCS, extended season’s greetings and said the festival was special as it was among the first of its kind in the district. He congratulated the organizing team and the Department of Horticulture for their support, and informed that a technical session with experts from KVK Longleng would be organized the following day to promote scientific cultivation, urging farmers to actively participate. He added that the event is part of the Hornbill Festival and highlighted Pongo village’s historical significance and its recognition as a tourist village, encouraging youths to explore ways to promote tourism.
District Horticulture Officer Longleng, Talimeran, congratulated the farmers for their hard work, noting that their contribution was central to the festival’s success. President of Phom People’s Council, Y.B. Angam, and Pongo Village Council Chairman, T. Lakba Keikung, also delivered greetings during the programme.
Head G.B of Pongo village, P. Khangyong, spoke on the festival theme, while Secretary of the Festival Organizing Committee, Aye Keikung, proposed a word of gratitude. The event concluded with a blessing pronounced by Associate Pastor for women, Pongo Baptist Church, C. Thempong. The programme was chaired by T. Aman and Nanglang Y. Phom.
Cultural performances included a song titled Vibrant Messenger by W.K.C, and a folk dance Melodious of the Homeland by the Nanglang Hongnyu Society. Invocation was delivered by Pastor B. Chingmei Phom of Pongo Baptist Church.
