Nagaland: ‘Orange Festival celebrates our agricultural prowess’

January 23, 2024 8 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 23

Rüsoma village is all set to celebrate two day long Rüsoma Orange Festival 2024 on January 24 and 25 at Rüsoma village in Kohima district.

“The opening ceremony (January 24) marks the beginning of an exciting festival that includes live music performances, culinary showcases, art exhibitions, and other activities based on the beloved orange theme,” said Rüsoma Orange Festival spokesperson Kekhrie Pfukha while addressing a press conference here today at Vivid Lounge, Kohima.

Nagaland’s Horticulture & Women Resource Development Minister, Salhoutuonuo Kruse will grace the opening function on January 24 at 10:00 am. Meyasashi, Director of Horticulture, Nagaland, Kohima will also deliver short speech Kekhrie Pfukha will lead the opening function while welcome address will be delivered by Rüsoma Village Council chairman Kehouchükhrie. Keynote address will be delivered by organizing committee convenor Visier Vimera.

The print media partner for this festival includes; The Morung Express, Nagaland Post and NE8.

‘Rüsoma Orange Festival a cherished tradition’
For centuries, the Rüsoma Orange Festival has been a cherished tradition, uniting our community in joy and festivity, Pfukha said. This year, we are proud to continue this tradition and showcase the rich cultural heritage and bountiful harvest that our village is renowned for, he said.

“The Orange Festival celebrates our agricultural prowess and the unity and resilience of our community,” he said adding that Rüsoma village is also known as “Gardening Village” or Tezie Kechü Rüna.

Orange is one of the most popular fruits of the village. The Orange Festival or Shühuo Nyi was first celebrated in the year 2020, initiated by entrepreneur and biker Thejakielie Zuyie. Since then, the orange festival became an annual celebration, and has been celebrated consecutively for three years and has become synonymously known as an orange land, he said.

“It brings together farmers, entrepreneurs, and community members to showcase the diverse range of orange products, including fresh produce, juices, jams, and other value-added products,” Pfukha said.

Expecting over Rs 53 lakh income
Through this year Orange festival, the orange growers are anticipating Rs 53,47,500 from sale of orange, said another spokesperson Khriezotuolie Chase.

He said that the village has 28,700 number of non bearing orange trees (Orange sapling trees under plantation) and 14,100 bearing trees at present. “We are expecting income generation upto Rs 1 crore when all non bearing orange trees are matured,” said Pfukha.

Farmers collaborator Ketouvilie Bier said that there will be competition for orange growers in respect of sweetest orange, biggest orange and the best stalls.

There will be 45 stalls including fast food, local cuisine, art & handicrafts, sale of agro & horticultural products, coffee shop, etc. For tourists, the organiser will be arranging paying guest facility at reasonable rate.

About Rüsoma Village
Rüsoma village is situated in the Northern region of Kohima district. It lies 12 km away from Kohima. The landscape of Rüsoma Village is scenic, surrounded with green valleys, streams, rivers, and high mountains. The village is divided into eight khels or units. Agriculture, especially, terrace cultivation, is a major occupation of the village.

“Sheer investment has been made in the education of the youths to become independent and self-reliant. However, the age-old practices of the forefathers like farming, rearing livestock, agricultural work and dignity of work are encouraged widely to keep the traditions and culture alive and to earn one’s own livelihood,” said Pfukha.

He said that the village is guided by the wisdom of the village elders, leaders, and communal unity is an integral force that is shaping and driving the village towards progression and development.

According to 2022 Census, Rüsoma Village has a total population of 2810 with 1410 female and 1400 male.