The closing ceremony of the First Edition of the Banana Festival 2025 was held on 23rd Oct.2025 at the Public Ground, Wokha, with Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, attending as the special guest. While the formal closing was observed, the festival will continue into its final day with ongoing exhibitions, training sessions, and interactive activities.
In his address, Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan expressed heartfelt appreciation to all government departments, sponsors, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders for their support and cooperation in making the festival a success. He emphasised that this was only the beginning of a larger movement and encouraged the public to continue promoting and utilising banana-based products and by-products beyond the duration of the festival.
He noted that the Banana Festival has now become a model for others to emulate and affirmed that it will be celebrated annually. While acknowledging minor challenges typical of a first-time event, he described the festival as a valuable learning platform that will guide improvements in future editions. He also commended the sincerity and dedication of farmers, urging them to take full advantage of such initiatives. With continued collaboration between departments, entrepreneurs, and farming communities, he expressed confidence that Wokha can emerge as a national agricultural hub.
Director of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Dr. S. Hazarika, also addressed the gathering. He reflected on the challenges and collective efforts involved in organising such a significant event and stressed the importance of a strategic and sustained approach for long-term success. Dr. Hazarika assured continued support from ICAR, including technological integration, long-term research partnerships, and innovative strategies to promote development. He reiterated ICAR’s commitment to supporting the Vision Document on Banana through scientific collaboration and farmer empowerment, with the goal of uplifting the regional economy.
Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, Vineet Kumar, IAS, delivered the keynote address. He extended gratitude to all partner institutions, sponsors, and the organising team for their tireless efforts. He highlighted the festival’s long-term potential, stating that it is not a one-time celebration but a recurring initiative that will contribute to a circular economy and generate lasting impact. He acknowledged the importance of continued collaboration to ensure the festival’s growth in the years ahead.
The second day of the festival featured a variety of engaging events and competitions designed to promote awareness, creativity, and community participation. Highlights included:
- Quiz Competition on Banana, Students and young participants tested their knowledge on banana cultivation, nutritional value, and economic importance.
- Best Stall Awards: Recognition was given to the most innovative and well-presented stalls among over 100 exhibitors, showcasing banana by-products, local innovations, and Agri-based enterprises.
- Banana Fancy Dress and Costume Competition, students from various schools under Wokha district participated in a vibrant display of creativity, donning banana-themed costumes that celebrated the fruit’s cultural and economic significance.
The ceremony marked a moment of reflection and renewed commitment, as stakeholders reaffirmed their shared vision of transforming Wokha into a thriving agricultural hub through innovation, partnership, and community-driven development.
(DPRO & IA Wokha)
