Event Summary

North East Network (NEN) organised the 17th NEN Biodiversity Festival on 11–12 March 2026 at the NEN Resource Centre in Chizami Village. Held under the theme “Agroecology for Community Resilience,” the festival brought together farmers, young people, community leaders and civil society organisations. Ten participants from Kingniu Village and Panso attended through an exposure visit initiated by Chingthur Foundation and supported by Azim Premji Foundation. Event collaborators included Nenterprise–Chizami Weaves and Li Cheh Kro Weavers’ Producer Co. Ltd.

The first day focused on youth engagement in agroecology. Presentations, workshops and practical sessions covered soil health, composting, productive gardens, sustainable farming, livelihood opportunities and institutional support. Women-led exchanges also demonstrated traditional composting, biofertiliser preparation and natural dye techniques.

The second day featured the main festival, exhibition and Earth Market. Communities displayed indigenous seeds, traditional food and agricultural products, while discussions highlighted the role of women, village institutions and indigenous knowledge in managing natural resources. During a seed exchange involving seven villages, the Kingniu participants shared traditional seeds with Thurutsusuu Village of the Chakhesang community.

Key Outcomes

The exposure visit gave participants practical ideas for biodiversity conservation, environmentally responsible farming and community-based livelihoods. The seed exchange also strengthened relationships between communities and encouraged the continued conservation and use of indigenous crop varieties.