Kohima, July 19: The inaugural Mango Festival was held today at Longmatra in Nagaland’s Kiphire district, drawing farmers, entrepreneurs and local officials to celebrate and promote the region’s mango cultivation.

Advisor S. Kiusumew Yimchunger, presiding over the event, urged growers to extend mango production beyond the festival season and consistently bring their harvest to market. He underscored the state government’s commitment to bolstering agricultural activities through the provision of modern machinery, input support and technical systems.

District Horticulture Officer Sentinungba Longchar announced plans to introduce high-yield commercial mango varieties in the district. He said the horticulture department will collaborate with the Land Resources Department to expand mango acreage, improve soil management and develop value-addition initiatives for local growers.