AST organizes seed exchange programme in Kiphire

The first ever seeds exchange programme for the farmers was held at Kiphire where women farmers from five tribes of Nagaland, namely Sangtam, Chakhesang, Khiamnuangan, Pochury and Angami attended the programme held at public ground Kiphire today.
The programme was organized by Akedah Sangtamlaru Thingmujang (AST), the apex Sangtam Women Union under the theme “celebrating agro biodiversity, building solidarity.” The programme which was jointly organized by the North East Network (NEN) a women right organization and graced by project director DRDA Kiphire, Azenou Pienyu as the chief guest. Exhibition ribbon was cut by SDEO Kiphire, Ngurthantluangi as the guest of honour.
Describing traditional seed as genius of human which had fed us through many generations, the chief guest asked the gathering to uphold the culture which was passed down by the forefathers.  Stressing on the need for more production with increase in population, the chief guest also said that the farmers needed to protect the land, resources and the forest so that agriculture would sustain and the increasing population would not become a burden.
The chief guest said that women should be a role model in community building so that society could gain greater heights.
While releasing documentary film on the title “The Seed Guardians” a film by the NEN, chief guest opioned that with this program of seed exchange festival the women group would lead to the green revolution Nagaland.
Deputy commissioner Kiphire, Sedevekho Khro, while sharing solidarity speech said that Nagaland’s land was fertile and did not need fertilizers, thereby Naga forefathers hardly went to the market to buy food stuff. He said nowadays people were too dependent on inorganic market products. He said that outsiders considered Nagas as producers of organic therefore, he appealed the gathering to live healthy with organic things.
Project team leader NEN, Nagaland Seno Tsuhah who delivered key note address said that Nagas practiced ecological agriculture which makes the land still fertile. She asked the women group to disseminate what they had learned. She also appealed for protection of land, water and forest for future benefit.
Program manager NEN, Wekoweu Tsuhah, administrated the seed exchange ceremony where 20 women farmers from five tribe exchanged seeds. Folk song was presented by Chakhesang women farmers while sowing seed songs (Machi Khidong) was performed by Seyochung Women Group.
“Furuthsu Khidong” rice pounding song was also sung by Singti Area women’s Union and seed sowing display by Khiamniungan women farmers. Women farmers from Amahator area, Pochury, Longkhim, Longmatra also performed different kinds of cultural items at the public ground.
Executive chairman United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC), Justin Khatomong T,  vice president, United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), K.Tsilise  Sangtam and Hd.GB Kiphire Sepithong Sangtam also spoke at the programme.