Dimapur, August 9: “Our ancestors always believed that even a single grain of millet can save a person from dying,” stated Mathsiilu, community elder and Millet sister from New Phor during the Millet Festival at New Phor Village on August 9 on the occasion of International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.
Celebrated under the theme “Millets for community resilience”, the Millets Festival was organised by the Millet Sisters, New Phor Village in collaboration with North East Network (NEN) and Millet Network of India. Around 200 Millet farmers, leaders and elders from 5 villages New Phor, Phor, Wuzu, Shatuzha and Yisisotha were part of the event.
Sharing her experience, Mathsiilu noted that before converting to Christianity, she participated in traditional rituals before the sowing of millets, which were sacred to the community. After the advent of Christianity, she has seen the community offering prayers in the Church for the crops and which in a way is continuing the elders’ wisdom of respecting our resources. She added “my parents always insisted on growing more millets than paddy as it ensures security in situation such as famines”.
Gracing the event as special guest, Mhonchumo, SDAO Meluri expressed appreciation for the communities’ interest on millets. He stressed the importance of millets and called on the community to work together with the department in promoting such important crops. He also assured his support and assistance to the communities to promote millet farming.
Delivering the keynote address, Vilazonuo, NEN highlighted that Millet is deeply rooted in the indigenous communities’ culture and traditions. While acknowledging that rapid change is taking place in local communities’ food and farming systems leading to loss of our biodiversity, millet based biodiverse farming practised by farming communities is the keystone to build communities’ resilience.
S.Teti VCC, Wuzu village shared that “Millets was the most important crop than rice in Phor area”. Yet he lamented that with the coming of better roads, and markets the community’s interest and dependency on outside food increased leading to a decline in millets. He also shared the increased demand for millet from friends and families living in urban areas, and viewed millet cultivation as a good livelihood opportunity.
Other highlights of the festival included cultural performances on millet sowing and harvesting, Agrobiodiversity display and farmers market.
(Page News Service)
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