The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) participated in the first-ever Nagaland Banana Festival 2025, held from 22nd to 24th October in Wokha. The event was inaugurated by Shri T. R. Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Planning & Transformation, Government of Nagaland.

The festival served as a dynamic platform to highlight the role of banana as a catalyst for rural livelihood, nutrition, and entrepreneurship, aligning with the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. Key organizations including ICAR–NRCB, TRIFED, NHB, NERAMAC, and NABARD joined hands to promote scientific cultivation, value addition, and market linkages for banana growers in the region.

Featuring over 100 exhibition stalls, the event also hosted a high-level panel discussion on “Envisioning a 360° Banana Hill Ecosystem – Science, Policy, Market & Finance in Action,” which brought together policymakers, researchers, financial institutions, and farmer representatives. With participation from more than 1,000 stakeholders, the festival underscored Nagaland’s emerging potential in banana cultivation and agri-export development.

Through such initiatives, APEDA continues to strengthen agricultural value chains, empower farmers, and enhance export competitiveness across India’s North Eastern region.

Source - APEDA