With the aim of celebrating Nagaland’s organic produce and to promote the local potatoes in the state, the first edition of “Nagaland Potato festival” was celebrated at Local Ground Jakhama, Kohima on Friday.
According to a DIPR report, special guest, commissioner of police Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, shared the experience and the process of planting and harvesting of potatoes in the paddy fields at his native village. He said the southern Angamis were blessed with a bountiful nature.
An introduction to scientific methods of potato cultivation was delivered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) Shillong, senior scientist and head in-charge, Dr. N. Sailo.
At the festival, Oasis women agri-allied cooperative Society, Zhodi Colony won the award for biggest potato.
Dzükuo Radzüla Terrace was named as the best stall and M/s Kelechünu Stall as best Potato stall.
In the indigenous competitions (catapult), Loneho Tase from Jakhama and Ruokuo Kense emerged as winner and runners-up. The youngest participants was Kevideho Kirha.
In Phieda competition, Mhashevikho Rhütso from Viswema Village emerged and Zayieho Kin, Viswema Village as runners up.
In Thulova competition (played by girls or womenfolk barefoot with a traditional dice), Zanuo Krotho from Kigwema Village emerged as the winner and Toho group from Viswema Village as the runners up.
Earlier, the programme commenced with an invocation by pastor Christian Revival Church, Jakhama Village pastor John Zao.
The keynote address was delivered by host, Visakunu Tetso, while invocation was said by Pastor John Zao and the welcome address was delivered by District Agriculture Officer, Kekhrieletuo Yhome.