Khonoma: Where skills are tradition and sustainability a way of life

March 24, 2025 6 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | March 24

Nestled in the western hills of Kohima district, Khonoma village stands out not just for its lush surroundings but for its people, where every individual is equipped with or taught a skill.

“Every able person here has a skill. Whether it’s farming, weaving, floriculture, carpentry, or handicrafts, there’s always a way to earn a livelihood,” said Sieno Sakhrie, a village resident and President of the Khonoma Women Union (KWU), with pride.

Her words are reflected in the village’s way of life.

Khonoma, famously known as Nagaland’s Green Village, is not only renowned for its rich cultural heritage, traditions, and history but has also become a living testament to sustainable living and self-reliance.

The beautiful landscapes, fertile soil, and abundant natural resources further enhance its position.

According to villagers, every household in Khonoma takes pride in growing its own vegetables, practicing floriculture, and weaving intricate crafts—skills passed down through generations—forming a way of life deeply rooted in tradition while also providing a sustainable livelihood for all.

Garlic: A symbol of community prosperity

On March 14, Khonoma took another step forward by hosting Nagaland’s first-ever Chümerie (garlic) festival, bringing together villagers, buyers, and tourists.

The response was “overwhelming,” villagers said.

According to KWU President Sieno, garlic cultivation has been passed down through generations, and today, every household in the village grows it for personal consumption, sharing with guests and visitors, as well as for business.

“Most families earn between Rs 1-2 lakh annually from garlic, making it an important cash crop,” she shared.

Sieno also emphasised that villagers use only organic manure for all their agricultural products, avoiding chemical fertilisers entirely. This organic approach has created a high demand for their produce in the market.

For Neisorieno Meru, another farmer who has been cultivating garlic for the past 15 years, the village is the ideal place for garlic due to its ample water supply, organic manure, and favourable climatic conditions.

While white garlic thrives well, the red garlic variety—a local favourite—dominates the fields, she informed.

Neisorieno also noted happily that selling garlic is not a challenge, as buyers come directly to the village to purchase in bulk.

Instead, the real challenge, she explained, is keeping up with demand. Although everyone is cultivating garlic, its popularity continues to grow each year, she added.

Meanwhile, Sieno noted that most farmers sold out their produce during the garlic festival.

When enquired, she estimated the total sales during the festival amounted to around Rs 17,97,427.

Neisorieno described the festival as a boon for local farmers, calling it an “incredible opportunity” to meet businessmen, officers, people from neighbouring villages, and buyers from all walks of life.

While expressing gratitude to the organisers and the influx of buyers who supported them, she said the festival not only boosted immediate sales but also fostered valuable connections with potential business partners, expanding their market reach.

Success depends on effort

Beyond its strong farming traditions, natural resources, and skilled workforce, Khonoma’s location also plays a crucial role in its success.
With its proximity to Nagaland’s capital, Kohima, Sieno noted that the village enjoys easy access to markets.

However, she pointed out an important factor—success depends on effort.

“Nature provides everything needed for a fulfilling life, as long as one is willing to put in the effort,” she noted. “We are blessed with so much—streams, forests, fertile land, good climatic conditions, natural resources, etc. There’s no shortage of opportunities if one has the zeal to work.”

Khonoma stands as an inspiring example of how a community can thrive by embracing its traditions while adapting to new opportunities, serving as a model for conservation and organic farming.

It is worth noting that garlic is just one part of Khonoma’s rich agricultural landscape. Apart from rice, villagers cultivate a variety of vegetables throughout the year, including bok choy, potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, and a wide range of wild greens that grow naturally in the region.