Chives cultivation in Manipur : A lucrative agribusiness option

Dr Priyadarshini Salam *

Chiru Maroi displayed during Relief Services at Bungte Chiru Village, Kangpokpi in June 2020 :: Pix - Ramakrishna Mission, Babupara, Imphal

Chives is a highly demanded crop in Manipur grown and produced throughout the year. Popularly used as spices and condiments, in making popular dishes, fritters and are also consumed raw. Once planted, it continuously gives high returns up to its 7th year.

Although, Chives has the potential for commercialization to supplement the onion and garlic production in different parts of India especially under the present unpredictable climatic conditions it is still a less known cultivated vegetable in the rest of India. Hence, there is a need to standardize the production technology of chives including post-harvest management for its commercial cultivation.

Some of the following problems of chives are to be addressed:

o Non-scientific cultivation of Chives
o Rust disease in chives
o Post-harvest management of Chives

Response/Initiative

Chives plant has medicinal & antiseptic properties, rich in vitamin A, C, Sulphur and Iron. It is a commercial crop in Manipur grown and produced throughout the year and is used as spices and condiments, in making popular dishes, fritters and are also consumed raw. Although, chives can be propagated from seeds, this method is not suitable for commercial cultivation because of the long crop cycle.

With the help of technical guidance of KVK-Imphal East, Andro, Mr Soubam Surjit Singh of Moirang Kampu, Imphal East started cultivation of Chives by adopting following practices-

o Well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6-7 and full sun
o Planting of rooted seedlings clumps at a spacing of 5-6 inches
o Incorporation of chicken manure one month after planting
o Regular watering throughout its growth period for best production
o Digging and division of the clumps to keep healthy and vigorous plants
o Weed control during the first two months of growth when the plants are growing slowly and cannot compete with weeds
o Pest and disease management by using neem formulations
o Withholding irrigation 2-3 days before harvesting to ensure longer post-harvest life

NOTE: The propagation of chives is done vegetatively by division of existing clump of bulbs is the common practice keeping 4-6 bulb lets/clump. It is necessary to divide clumps every year to prevent overcrowding. Before planting, incorporate well composed organic matter.

Adequate nitrogen is important and a pre-plant complete fertilizer or composted manure is recommended with additional nitrogen application after the first harvest every year. Weed control is important during the first two months of growth when the plants are growing slowly and cannot compete with weeds.

Chives can be harvested as early as 30 days after transplanting and is usually done by cutting the plants back to within 1-2 inches of the soil. In first year, harvesting can be done 3-4 times which subsequently can be harvested monthly Constant harvesting of the leaves is essential to keep a healthy and vigorous plant. Every year digging and division of the clumps should be done and planting them in another area.

As the year progresses, there is difficulty in maintaining the quality of chives as the attack of rust disease increases as well as the chive seedlings gets thinner hence it is not advisable to grow chives beyond its 7th year.

Lessons learnt

Although, chives has the potential for commercialization to supplement the onion and garlic production in different parts of India especially under the present unpredictable climatic conditions it is still a less known cultivated vegetable in rest of India.

Hence there is a need to standardise the production technology of chives including post harvest management for its commercial cultivation. Once planted, it continuously gives high returns therefore, it is necessary to popularise its cultivation among the farmers.


For further details contact:-
Public Relations & Media Management Cell,
CAU, Imphal.
Email: [email protected]