Longmatra area in Kiphire district, Nagaland, hosted its first-ever Mango Festival, showcasing region’s potential in mango cultivation and aiming to strengthen the rural economy. The festival served as a platform to promote agri-tourism, sustainable farming practices, and community-driven economic growth.
Key Highlights
Event Objective:
- Promote mango cultivation in Longmatra.
- Support local farmers, SHGs (Self Help Groups), and entrepreneurs.
- Boost rural economy and encourage agri-tourism.
Organisers & Support:
- District Administration of Kiphire.
- Department of Horticulture, Nagaland.
- Longmatra community leaders and the public.
- Supported by other government departments.
Vision:
- Establish Longmatra as “Mango Village”.
- Attract visitors from within and outside Nagaland.
Challenges Identified:
- Poor road infrastructure.
- Lack of proper transportation facilities hindering mango monetisation.
Opportunities Presented:
- Expansion of mango farming.
- New markets for local produce.
- Growth prospects for SHGs and rural entrepreneurs.
Economic Impact:
- Expected to contribute to long-term rural income generation and mango industry development.
Significance
- For Nagaland: Highlights the diversification of agriculture beyond traditional crops.
- For Farmers: Encourages adoption of sustainable farming for better market returns.
- For Tourism: Positions Kiphire district as a potential agri-tourism destination.
- For Policy: Reinforces need for better rural infrastructure to enhance farm-to-market linkages.
About Kiphire District
- State: Nagaland.
- Location: Southeastern Nagaland, bordering Myanmar.
- Known For: Agriculture, horticulture, and mineral resources.
- Highest Peak Nearby: Saramati Peak (3,841 m) – highest in Nagaland, located in Kiphire district.
About Longmatra
- An agriculturally rich area in Kiphire district.
- Known for high-quality mangoes and other horticultural crops.
- Aspiring to be branded as “Mango Village”.
Mango in India
- Botanical Name: Mangifera indica.
- National Fruit of India.
- India is the largest producer of mangoes in the world (~40% of global production).
- Major Mango Varieties: Alphonso, Dasheri, Kesar, Langra, Banganapalli, Himsagar, Chausa, Totapuri, Neelum.
Horticulture in Nagaland
- Major crops: Pineapple, banana, citrus fruits, passion fruit, and mango.
- Supported under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and state-specific schemes.
Agri-Tourism in India
- Combines agriculture with tourism to generate additional farmer income.
- Popular examples: Strawberry Festival in Mahabaleshwar, Orange Festival in Tamenglong (Manipur), Mango Festivals in Delhi & Goa.