The final day of the First Edition of the Banana Festival 2025 concluded with warmth, enthusiasm, and active community participation at the Public Ground, Wokha on 24th October 2025. The day featured a series of engaging events, including the Banana Stem Cutting Competition, which drew spirited involvement from local farmers and youth.
The concluding day also marked the Open Sales Day and Farmers–Buyers Meet, where citizens explored and purchased a wide range of banana varieties and by-products. Local brand Yuthi Delight emerged as a standout performer, not only for its stall presentation but also for its innovative offerings such as banana stem juice, banana chips, banana salad, and other value-added items. The brand’s success reflects a growing interest in local entrepreneurship and is expected to continue fostering farmer participation, product innovation, and market expansion through branding and packaging.
A key achievement of the festival was the signing and exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the District Administration Wokha and three national research institutions:
- ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana, Tamil Nadu
- Institute of Bio resource and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal
- CSIR–North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat
This MoU is poised to play a transformative role in grassroots development across Wokha district and Nagaland. By integrating advanced agricultural technologies, promoting scientific farming practices, and facilitating joint research, the partnership will empower local farmers with training, resources, and sustainable models. The focus on cultivating medicinal and aromatic crops, enhancing production, and establishing market linkages will contribute to a circular economy and long-term economic resilience in the region.
Throughout the three-day festival, a variety of competitions and cultural events were held to engage the public and celebrate the versatility of bananas. Highlights included:
- Banana Salad Making Competition
- Banana Eating Contest
- Quiz on Banana Cultivation and Nutrition
- Banana Fancy Dress and Costume Competition
In addition to entertainment, the festival hosted technical sessions on banana cultivation, value addition, branding, packaging, and by-product innovation. These sessions provided practical insights and hands-on learning for farmers, entrepreneurs, and students.
Over 100 exhibition stalls showcased diverse banana species and varieties, along with machinery and equipment such as banana fiber extraction units. The festival also recognised excellence through awards for Best Stall, Best Value Addition, and other categories, with recipients receiving cash prizes, certificates, and agricultural machinery.
The Banana Festival 2025 has not only celebrated the cultural and economic significance of bananas in Wokha but has also laid the foundation for sustainable agricultural transformation. With strong institutional partnerships, vibrant community participation, and a clear vision for innovation and empowerment, the festival stands as a model for grassroots development. It is a testament to what collaboration, creativity, and commitment can achieve—and a promise that Wokha is ready to lead as an agricultural hub in Nagaland and beyond.
(DPRO & IA, Wokha)
