Sirarakhong chilli festival begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 06, 2013:
The three-day chilli festival of the Tangkhul tribe entitled 'Hathei Phanit' cum seminar got underway at Sirarakhong village of Ukhrul district from September 5. The inaugural programme of the festival cum seminar hosted by Sirarakhong Shanao Long (SSL) in collaboration with the National Horticulture Board, Richfield Fertilizer Private Ltd, sattan & Sons Pvt Ltd and Mehar Agencies Pvt Ltd under the sponsorship of Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan Region was held with Director of Central Institute of Horticulture, Medziphema (Nagaland) L Sivarama Reddy as the chief guest.
As a guest of honour, dean of Central Agriculture University Dr N Iboton noting unique character of the Sirarakhong chilli informed the gathering that a similar variety also grows in Gujarat State.
Strongly advocating that the Sirarakhong chilli should be registered with the Ministry concerned of the Union Government to protect its patent right, he also assured all possible technical assistance by CAU experts to facilitate the Sirarakhong farmers plant the chilli variety with modern technology.
Suggesting that Sirarakhong villagers visit the CAU facility at Iroisemba and consult agriculture scientists to harvest bumper yield of food as well as cash crops, Dr Iboton also exuded confidence that Sirarakhong village could be transformed into a major horticulture hub in the coming years in case the local farmers concentrate on agricultural activities by adopting modern technology.
According to festival sponsor's Director Ratankumar observed that Sirarakhong villagers are yet to reap the fruit of huge horticulture potential inspite of sufficiency in chilli and potato production due to absence of modern technology and preservation method.
Describing unique taste, flavour, colour and appearance as the characteristics of Sirarakhong chillies, he opined that more researches on method of plantation and preservation would be helpful increasing its yield.
Ahead of the formal function, Director L Sivarama Reddy interacting with the locals assured them that the Medziphema Institute would approach relevant authorities to provide financial assistance of about Rs 28 lakh for developing a 10 acre chilli plantation site in the village.
The chief guest also expressed confidence that Sirarakhong village could become a major chilli production region if the local farmers adopt modern agricultural technologies.