The second edition of our popular Farmer’s Markets was at Pfutsero in Nagaland. This was another fun-filled day of fresh food for your kitchen and family and livelihood for our incredible farmers that practice traditional farming systems. Over the years, through its engagement with indigenous farmers, NEN has advocated constantly for the importance of food security, a phenomenon that can only be achieved when food is produced locally. Our periodic Farmers Markets are indicative of our efforts to keep community and local agriculture alive in the midst of mass produce flooding our markets.
The market was organised by NEN in collaboration with SEWA Pfutsero and 8 farming communities from Sumi, Enhulumi, Thetsumi, Mesulumi, Pfutsero, Zapami, Leshemi and Lasumi took part in the market.
Inaugurated by our Special guest Dr Imtionen, SDAO Pfutsero, NEN and the women farmers were acknowledged and appreciated in his speech for taking efforts to arrange such a market for the benefit of farming communities and consumers. In his address, he highlighted on the need to be chemical-free and organic, a tradition that we must preserve and nurture from our fore-parents.
There is a high demand and to some extent, even craze for organic products in the world today as more urban people are conscious of the quality and nutritional value of the food that they eat. Hence, farmers need to tap such demands of consumers. Our guest also stressed on the need to promote plastic-free markets and use locally available materials such as Banana leaves and other forest leaves for wrapping the produce during such events (as was traditionally done) and set an example to others too. He encouraged the farmers to continue with such initiatives in the days to come.
The market events included- Millet Snacks display, Awareness on Nutrition for good diet diversity and the sale of organic food products- uncultivated & Cultivated- Green Leafy vegetables & other vegetables, Fruits, Mushrooms, Sale of traditional snacks such as Jobs Tears Tea, Black Rice Tea, Sticky Rice Cake & Sticky Rice Roti, Galho-Traditional herd & rice porridge.
