Farmers from Kingniu, Pathso, Pathso Neking, and Ekhao villages were awarded for achieving the highest millet yields.
Noklak, September 27 (MExN): The Kingniu Village in Noklak district celebrated its Millet Festival 2025 under the theme “Sowing Tradition, Harvesting the Future,” highlighted millet as both a heritage grain and a resilient crop for future food security while launching a larger vision of “Indigenous Urbanization.”
The Kingniu Village Millet Festival 2025, held at the Kingniu Heritage Center on September 24, saw the convergence of community leaders, government officials, and agricultural experts who emphasised the critical role of traditional crops in sustainable development.
After inaugurating the festival, the chief guest, MLA Bunei M Lamthiu, stressed the need to revive traditional farming while integrating modern techniques through stronger government linkages. He thanked NABARD for supporting the initiative and assured his cooperation in promoting agricultural activities. He further appreciated Chingthur Foundation for pioneering the first-ever Millet Festival in Kingniu and expressed hope that similar initiatives would spread to other villages across Nagaland.
Rev Dingshungngamang Kamei, Executive Director of Chingthur Foundation, outlined the festival's broader purpose, stating, “The Millet Festival is not only about food—it is about life, identity, and future.” He recounted the foundation’s journey since 2019, beginning with the question, “What is in your hand?” From millet and weaving to forests and community spirit, he emphasised that the strengths of the people could be harnessed for sustainable development.
Imkongyanger Imchen, District Development Manager (DDM) of NABARD, Kiphire, in his address stressed the importance of millet in sustainability and highlighted the need for supportive government policies to promote millet cultivation and food security.
A key highlight was the launch of the Indigenous Urbanization Roadmap for Kingniu Village, the first such initiative in the Khiamniungan area. The guest of honour, P Mono Khiamniungan, Deputy Commissioner of Noklak, officially launched the Roadmap.
Expressing concern for the environment, the DC Noklak remarked, “Nagaland is the lungs of the nation,” and cautioned against destructive urbanization that could harm God-given blessings like fresh air and clean water. He encouraged villagers not to depend solely on supplied food or become idle, but to work diligently in agriculture for sustainable living. He also urged the community to hold fast to honesty and truth, preserve their indigenous identity, and continue passing down indigenous workmanship to future generations.
The programme also featured an emphasis on seed security. Rev Dr Narong Tongsuk from the ECHO Asia Foundation, Thailand spoke on the “Power of Seed Exchange in Ensuring Food Security,” following which farmers from Kingniu, Pathso, Pathso Neking, and Ekhao villages participated in a Seed Exchange ceremony. A collective seed sample was presented to the ECHO Asia Impact Center in Chiangmai, Thailand.
Prof Dr Darlando Khathing, Pro-Chancellor of North East Christian University, stressed millet’s importance for research and sustainability. He also conferred certificates to farmers from Kingniu, Pathso, Pathso Neking, and Ekhao villages for achieving the highest millet yields.
The inaugural session concluded with the planting of indigenous tree species, symbolizing the commitment to a green future. The festival, which included cultural performances centred on millet, ended with a note of appreciation from Akeina Gonmei, Chairperson of Chingthur Foundation.
The Kingniu Millet Festival 2025 stood as a milestone in reviving tradition and building a community-resilient model for sustainable development.
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