The 1st edition of Taro festival, a two-day event commenced at Pongo village under Longleng District on 5th December 2025, on the theme "Rooted in Culture, a Journey of Heritage" with MLA, A. Pongshi Phom as the special guest at public ground Pongo. The festival was organized by the department of Horticulture.
The special guest in his address expressed his sincere appreciation to the organizers and everyone involved for hosting the 1st edition of Taro Festival 2025 successfully. He said Nagas celebrate various kinds of festival in the state such as:- 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; Garlic Festival in Khonoma, Kohima etc.
He informed that Taro is consumed by everyone as a stable food by the rich and poor alike and consumed as an alternative food for rice to sustain during most difficult times. It is also used for presentation to our near and dear ones as finest gift. Pongo village produces one of the finest Taros and is being consumed by people living in other parts of the state too. He was optimistic that hosting of Taro Festival in Pongo will be a stepping stone towards social economic development in the district.
Asserting that lack of confidence and being lazy is the main reason why our people fail to progress and move forward, he said there are many scopes for self employed and entrepreneurship. Young educated unemployed must come out of their comfort zone and must build the economic health of our people through their skills. We lack consistency and look for short cut to get profits overnight, without facing difficulties and challenges. He also mentioned illegal taxation that pulls down the visions and dreams of many young entrepreneurs, and discouraged all forms of taxations in the state. He therefore urged the people to judiciously implement various welfare schemes and projects provided by the Government to boost their economy.
He appealed to the citizens of Pongo village, to continue to stay united and live in harmony by extending their cooperation and support to the government agencies for the greater progress and development of the village. At the same time, he appealed the Government agencies to render all possible helps and assistance to the village. He informed that as part of the 1st Edition of Taro Festival, plans for Construction of Marketing and Storage/Packaging facilities, Identification of Marketing and Transporting Agencies, Provision of tools and equipments, Healthcare facilities to farmers, Impart scientific knowledge of cultivation for maximum yielding and preservation during off-season, and Granting of subsidies and Aides will be initiated. He assured to support in whatever possible way for the benefits of Pongo Village. He also inaugurated the Horticulture marketing shed.
In his address DC Longleng, W. Manpai Phom NCS wished season’s greetings to all members present and informed that this occasion is special as it is one of its first kinds in the district. He congratulated the organizing team for their hard work and the department of Horticulture for their support and guidance to the people of this district. He also mentioned that technical session with experts from the KVK Longleng will be organised next day to promote scientific way of cultivation. He urged the farmers of the village to actively participate in the technical session.
The DC said this event is being organised by the Department of Horticulture as part of the Hornbill Festival. He also mentioned that Pongo Village is a historical village and is fortunate to declare the village as a tourist village by the Government. He urged the youths to explore ways and means to promote Pongo as tourist village.
District Horticulture Officer Longleng, Talimeran, in his greetings congratulated all dedicated farmers for their hard work and said that without the contribution from the farmers, this festival would be a failure. We are here to share the sweet labour of our farmers, she added.
President of Phom People's Council, Y.B. Angam and Council Chairman of Pongo village, T. Lakba Keikung also delivered a word's of greetings at the programme.
Head G.B of Pongo village, P. Khangyong spoke on the theme: "Rooted in Culture, a Journey of Heritage". A word of gratitude was proposed by Secretary, Festival Organising Committee, Aye Keikung, and the programme concluded with a call for blessings pronounced by Associate Pastor for women, Pongo Baptist Church, C. Thempong. The programme was chaired by T. Aman and Nanglang Y. Phom.
A song called Vibrant Messenger was performed by W.K.C, while a folk dance called Melodious of the homeland was performed by the cultural troupe- Nanglang Hongnyu Society. Invocation was pronounced by the Pastor of Pongo Baptist Church, B. Chingmei Phom.
(DPRO and IA Longleng)
