Correct Answer : Option (B) - Nagaland

The much-awaited 4th edition of Rüsoma Orange Festival 2024 is set to begin at Rüsoma village in Kohima district, Nagaland with a two-day programme from 24th January 2024. Addressing a press conference at Vivid Lounge here on Monday, Kekhrie Pfukha, spokesperson for the organiser of Rüsoma Orange Festival, extended a warm invitation to everyone to join the festival and savour the flavour of the “finest oranges” cultivated in the fertile soil of Rüsoma village, 12 km from the state capital.

Referring to Rüsoma as the “Gardening Village” or Tezie Kechü Rüna, he said oranges were a prominent fruit, and the Orange Festival, also known as Shühuo Nyi, originated in 2020 through the efforts of entrepreneur and biker Thejakielie Zuyie.

Since then, he mentioned that the festival had become an annual celebration, earning Rüsoma the moniker of an orange land. He informed the media that event brought together farmers, entrepreneurs, and community members, showcasing a variety of orange products, from fresh produce to juices, jams, and other value-added items.

Pfukha revealed that the opening ceremony would feature live music performances, culinary displays, art exhibitions, and various activities centred around the orange theme.

He disclosed that the honoured guest at the event would be Horticulture & Women Resource Development minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse at 10 am.

He pointed out that Rüsoma village with a population of 2,810, according to the 2022 Census, had a long tradition of orange farming, acting as a unifying force in the community, fostering joy and festivity. He mentioned that the festival this year aimed at continuing this tradition, showcasing the village’s rich cultural heritage and abundant harvest, emphasising agricultural prowess, unity, and community resilience.
The spokesperson emphasized Rüsoma’s rich soil and the village’s unique organic orange farming which was divided into eight units called khels. He said the village engaged in terrace cultivation as a primary occupation.

He pointed out that despite investments in youth education for independence and self-reliance, traditional practices like farming, livestock rearing, and maintaining the dignity of work were actively encouraged to preserve cultural heritage and sustain livelihoods. Highlighting the orange growers data, Khriezotoulie Chase, another spokesperson, disclosed that there were around 28,700 non-bearing trees (orange saplings under plantation), 14,100 orange trees bearing fruits with a total of 42,800 in total. He said the farmers were expecting a profit of Rs 53,47,500 over the two-day event and looking ahead, claiming that the organisers aimed to increase revenue significantly, targeting a range of about Rs 5-6 crore in the upcoming years. He said the profit in 2023 was Rs 40 lakh.

Chase stated that during the two-day festival, a farmer had the potential to earn between Rs 2-3 lakh and highlighted the varying yields from orange trees, with some bearing as much as 230 kg of fruit, while others ranged from 80 to 150 kg.

The festival gates are set to open at 9:30 am, with tickets priced at Rs 10 per person. Growers can participate in competitions such as best stall, biggest stall, sweetest orange, and biggest orange, with a total of 42 stalls available. To enhance the festival experience, orchard camping and paying guest accommodations will be provided at nominal rates. Chase extended an invitation to everyone to be a part of this vibrant celebration..

Source : Nagaland Post