Kezoma Set to Host Second Millet Festival on August 26

Kezoma village in Nagaland is preparing to host the second edition of its Millet Festival on August 26, bringing renewed attention to the nutritional, agricultural and environmental importance of millets. The event will promote these traditional grains as nutritious, climate-resilient crops that can contribute to sustainable farming, healthier diets and stronger local food systems.

Organised by the Kezoma Village Council in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and allied sectors of the Government of Nagaland, the Millet Festival will take place at Zake Ground from 11 am. Dr. Zasekuolie Chüsi, Agriculture Production Commissioner and Commissioner & Secretary for Agriculture and Land Revenue, Nagaland, is scheduled to attend as the Special Guest.

A major objective of the Kezoma Millet Festival is to encourage farmers to cultivate millets while increasing public awareness about their nutritional and health benefits. The initiative also seeks to revive indigenous crops that are naturally suited to local agricultural and climatic conditions, helping communities preserve traditional farming knowledge while exploring new economic opportunities.

Millets are increasingly recognised as valuable crops for climate-resilient agriculture. Compared with several conventional cereal crops, many millet varieties can grow with relatively limited water and tolerate challenging environmental conditions. Their dietary fibre, minerals and other nutrients also make them useful ingredients in diverse diets and an important component of discussions surrounding sustainable food and nutrition security.

Millet promotion has particular relevance in Northeast India because traditional grains have long been associated with indigenous farming practices and local cuisines. Encouraging their cultivation can therefore support not only agricultural diversification but also the preservation of regional food traditions and community knowledge.

Visitors to the festival can expect stalls showcasing locally grown millet varieties, traditional millet dishes and value-added products. These exhibits are expected to demonstrate how millets can move beyond cultivation into food processing, entrepreneurship and market opportunities, potentially creating additional income avenues for farmers and local enterprises.

Kezoma is hosting the festival for the second consecutive year as part of broader efforts to increase millet cultivation and consumption. The initiative reflects growing interest in connecting traditional crops with contemporary priorities such as climate resilience, nutrition, sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods.

The Kezoma Village Council and organising committee have invited farmers, members of the public and agriculture enthusiasts to participate. Through demonstrations, local products and community engagement, the August 26 festival is expected to provide an opportunity to understand how millets can contribute to sustainable agriculture, food security and the future of Nagaland’s traditional food systems.

 

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