Fresh U-morok will be available round the year from 2015: T Anand Singh
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 11, 2014:
Revealing his planning in an exclusive interview with The Sangai Express, the promising entrepreneur Takhellambam Anand Singh stated that he has dedicated a certain amount of his time and efforts for marketing fresh U-morok (ghost chili) throughout the year.
In addition to it, he also sought the attention of the Govt of Manipur to provide logistic and technical support in this newly emerging farming trend as it has provided earning potentials to the educated youths of the State.
While interacting with The Sangai Express at his home at Nongdam in Imphal east district, the 27 year old Anand, son of T Yaima Singh of Nongdam Bazaar in Imphal east district, communicated that the youths of the State should not rely only to Government job since Government job is not only the job.
He further said that the educated youths should find ways and means to earn livelihood with the available knowledge and skills, continuing that one could die of starvation if he or she only waits for the so call white colour jobs.
Mix cropping or integrated farming not only enhance one's family condition but also contribute to the economy of the State as well, Anand asserted.
Narrating the story, he started growing nursery U-morok plants in his 30X30 square feet area when an idea clicked him of marketing fresh U-morok round the year as this locally high demand chili not available in fresh in the local market round the year.
Ananda continued that a sum of Rs 17,000 has been invested in procuring seeds and necessary nursery preparation in the small polythene bags.
However, the nursery plants were sold Rs 50 after one month.
It is now sold at Rs 200 as it starts producing crops and Rs 150 as wholesale.
He further informed that sale of U-morok will be launched on the coming August 18 and added that chemical and other health hazard fertilizers were not used in his farming, Anand claimed, adding that he only used bio-compose, vermin-compose and organic materials as plant food.
Conveying his grievance, he could not afford a greenhouse.
However, the good news is that agency from outside the State has expressed interest of purchasing his products.
Anand further stated that he will start marketing U-morok outside Manipur State from next year under the brand name 'New Age Global Garden'.
He further said that he has constructed a rack made of bamboo to accommodate maximum plants in his limited space which holds 500 number plants.
U-morok could not withstand the cold of winter season thereby begins decaying the plants and also stops crop production.
This situation can also be overcome with the technology of greenhouse.
However, it has demanded huge investment, but could be possible with the help of horticulture department, Anand maintained.
He expressed his displeasures on seeing the greenhouses which remained unutilized and also the UV sheet plastics using wrongly in other activities and works.