India: Nagaland holds its first ever Naga Mircha Festival at Seihama

In a first of its kind in Nagaland, Naga Mircha (Naga King Chilli) Festival 2022 was organised on Saturday at Seiyhama Village under Kohima district. The festival was sponsored by the Department of Horticulture.

Speaking as the special guest, NDPP President, 11th Northern Angami-2 Assembly Constituency, Vibeilietuo Kets said, Naga Mircha produced by the Seiyhama is of good quality and that they should start strategising market control by producing the chilli on a large scale that can be available in the market throughout the year at a cheaper rate.

He also said, while the villagers are actively involved in the cultivation of Naga Mircha, the Horticulture Department should also extend hand-holding to the farmers by imparting scientific-technical support and training.

District Horticulture Officer Kohima, Senka Jamir informed that the Horticulture Department has chosen Botsa block as a focus area for Naga Mircha cultivation covering almost 100 hectares.

He said, Nagaland can become a Land of Horticulture, as the State has diverse agro-climatic conditions having major areas suitable for horticultural crops.

Convenor Organising Committee of the Festival, Lhoulalie Zumu said, around 200 households are now engaged in the Naga mircha cultivation. He said, the village generated an amount of 27 lakh rupees last year, and it expects to earn triple the amount this year.

Zumu said, the success and the benefit generated have also encouraged the educated unemployed youth of their village to engage themselves in the Naga Mircha Cultivation.

Mention may be made that Naga Mircha was the first product to receive a GI tag from Nagaland.