Khonoma marked a historic milestone with the first-ever Chümerie (Garlic) Festival, on 14th March 2025, organized by the Khonoma Women Union and sponsored by the Department of Women Resource Development under the MYKI Village Adoption Initiative, with co-sponsorship from the Horticulture and Agriculture Departments. The festival celebrated not just agricultural progress but also the vital role of women in leading rural development.
Minister for Rural Development, Metsübo Jamir graced the event as the special guest, and called the festival a proud moment for Nagaland. Drawing from his own experience as a part-time farmer, he highlighted the importance of processing and preserving agricultural produce, announcing that the Rural Development Department would set up a small processing unit in Khonoma. “Anything you do, make it sustainable,” he urged. Praising the active involvement of the village’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), he described their participation as a reflection of Khonoma’s unity and resilience. He further encouraged the youth to pursue entrepreneurial training and skill development, adding that the department would provide a Tata Mobile vehicle to support the transportation of farmers’ goods.
Zhothisa Dawhuo, Commissioner & Secretary of Women Resource Development, emphasized that the festival marks the success of the One Village, One Product program, with Khonoma focusing on garlic cultivation — a step toward economic growth and self-reliance. He commended the 30 women farmers who received seed money to expand their garlic farms, acknowledging their critical role in agriculture and community building. “The dedication of Khonoma’s farmers, the support of the village council, and the community’s enthusiasm reflect the true spirit of unity and progress. I am confident that Khonoma will soon become a model for agricultural excellence,” he stated.
The Director of Horticulture congratulated the Khonoma Women Union for organizing the festival and encouraged farmers to explore new areas for growth — not only in agriculture but also by promoting tourism to strengthen the village’s economy.
The Director of Agriculture spoke about the importance of adopting sustainable and scientific farming practices. He stressed the need for integrated farming methods, soil preservation to prevent erosion, and the continuation of traditional farming techniques, urging farmers to gradually move away from jhum cultivation. Reflecting on the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasized the importance of building agricultural resilience to withstand future hardships.
A keynote address was delivered by Sieno Sakhrie, President of the Khonoma Women Union (KWU). She extended her heartfelt gratitude to the dignitaries, government departments, and the Khonoma community for their collective efforts in making the festival a success, highlighting the often-unseen work of farmers behind the scenes.
In her vote of thanks, Kekhrieno Mor, Member of the Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), praised the collaborative spirit that brought the festival to life. She underscored the event’s significance, calling it a powerful example of not just women’s development, but women-led development — a clear reflection of how women are at the forefront of driving economic growth and community progress.
The Chümerie Festival stands as a symbol of women’s leadership and community resilience, with garlic cultivation now a growing source of economic empowerment for the village.
(Molungnenla Longchar IA, Kohima)