Dr Along Tzudir, DHO, Zunheboto inaugurated the first Chilli Festival at Sapotimi Village under Zunheboto district on July 17. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | July 17
Sapotimi Village under Zunheboto district celebrated its first Chilli Festival on July 17 with the theme, “Let’s Celebrate Our Spice, Our Pride,” sponsored by the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland.
The programme was graced by Dr Along Tzudir, District Horticulture Officer, Zunheboto, as the special guest. The festival highlighted the village’s remarkable progress in chilli cultivation and sustainable farming practices.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Along Tzudir, District Horticulture Officer, commended the people of Sapotimi for their diligence, discipline and hard work. ‘The village has never disappointed the department; instead, its success has inspired officials to remain even more committed to supporting its agricultural progress,’ he stated.
Dr Tzudir said ‘the department considers itself fortunate to have adopted Sapotimi as a horticulture village and to have established a strong partnership with its farming community.’ He assured the villagers that the department would continue extending its support and work hand in hand with them to further strengthen and expand agricultural development in the village.
Describing Sapotimi as an inspiration to the entire Zunheboto district, he encouraged young people to view agriculture not merely as a means of survival but as a promising enterprise. Highlighting the growing potential of horti-tourism, he urged the youth to embrace innovative farming practices and explore emerging opportunities in the sector.
He further stated that the department’s support would not end with the festival and assured the gathering that more innovative programmes, technologies and initiatives would be introduced in the future to further benefit the farming community.
Speaking during the programme, L Bendang, Chairman of Longsa Village Council, remarked that as a neighbouring village, Longsa has closely observed the hardworking nature of the people of Sapotimi. He said their dedication and commitment to farming serve as an example, adding that Longsa Village has much to learn from them.
He also lauded the Department of Horticulture for its unwavering support to the village, describing the department’s continued assistance as a reflection of its sincerity and commitment towards the farming community.
Delivering the highlights of the village’s farming journey, Tokugha Sumi, Lead Farmer of Sapotimi, said that farming has been the villagers’ primary occupation since the time of their forefathers. Their goal, he said, has always been to become self-sufficient by producing crops for household consumption while selling the surplus for income.
He recalled that in 2021, the Department of Horticulture declared Sapotimi a "Chilli Village," marking a turning point in the village’s agricultural development. Since then, the department has provided continuous support by supplying quality seeds and regularly visiting the village to inspect, monitor and guide the farmers.
Tokugha stated that although the villagers had previously cultivated large areas of land, the yields were comparatively low. With technical guidance from the Department of Horticulture, the village adopted the relay cropping system, which significantly improved productivity. Today, the farmers have not only achieved self-sufficiency but are also producing surplus crops for the market.
The entourage of the special guest included Farmers’ Wing NPF Zunheboto Division and Zunheboto District Tourism Association. Earlier, invocation was said by Rev Vitoshe, welcome address by Khekuto Akukau, vote of thanks by Libotoli, Village Level Officer (VLO) and benediction by Aloto Y/L. An inspection of stalls showcasing local agricultural produce was later held, followed by a chilli feast.
