TODAY -

Thangjing – A potential aquatic cash crop in Manipur

Prof N Irabanta Singh *

Thangjing sold at Lamlong Keithel on September 11 2016
Thangjing sold at Lamlong Keithel on September 11 2016 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam



Introduction

Thangjing (popularly known as black diamond or fox nut or gorgon nut) is botanically known as Euryle ferox Salisb and belongs to the family Euryalaceae (Nymphaeceae). It a monotypic genus that is having only one species. It is considered as an aquatic cash crop in Manipur.

The hobby of the present writer is to buy vegetables daily from the markets of Imphal specially Khwairamband bazar. He buys any new vegetables items at any cost. Thangjing is one of them he buys starting from early June/July onwards. The vendors sales Thangjing at the rate of Rs. 30 per Thangjing fruit or Rs. 50 for 2 Thangjing fruits.

In this article the writer made an attempt to describe about the potential of Thangjing cultivation for socio-economic development in Manipur. Distribution The plant is considered as a native of South-East Asia and China but distributed to every part of the world. In general, its distribution is extremely limited to tropical and sub-tropical region of South-East and East Asia and known to exist in Japan, Korea, Russia, North America, Nepal, Bangladesh and some states of India.

In India, it grows abundantly in some districts of Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Manipur.

Cultivation

Thangjing is known as a cash crop of Ox-bow lakes, depressed land, swamps, paddy fields, ponds, etc. The seedlings are raised naturally from the seeds. If the cultivation in deep water paddy field sites, 2/3 times loosening of soil are required followed by water filling then left for one month. Naturally raised Thangjing seedlings having 4-5 leaves after attaining kitchen dish size are ready for transplantation to the sites (ditches) already earmarked for the plantation.

The transplanted plants are inserted in straight line at a distance of 6' (six feet). Just before plantation, mud from the earmarked ditches are removed about 6″ (six inches). Unwanted plants in between the rows and adjacent rows are removed at the rate of six feet distance. New leaves appeared from the 20 days old transplanted Thangjing plants. Care is taken to remove unwanted plants appeared near the Thangjing plantation.

While the plants are still young insects like aphids eat up the leaves of the Thangjing which can be controlled with the help of organic insecticides. Sometimes due to strong wind currents Thangjing leaves might be overturned but one has to keep it okayed by replacing leaves in the original place. After 65/70 days of plantation, Thangjing fruits are ready for first harvest. Subsequent harvest could be made after every 10/12 days of harvest.

For plantation in the pond, if the pond is continuously used for Thangjing plantation year after year, scarcely any external application of fertilizer or manure is needed. Hence, an ecosystem is established in which decayed mineralized organic matter from previous crop support by the subsequent crop.

Morphological structure

Thangjing has thick fibrous root comprising of 4-6 clusters, each consisting of about 15 rootlets. It is a perennial and growing from a short, thick erect rhizome.

Leaves show heterophylous growth. Leaves are about four different types appearing in the chronological order of sinuate, hastate, sagittate and orbicular types. The first three sets of leaves are not prickly but the last set of leaves is prickly. The orbicular leaves by their perpetual growth attained larger heavy orbicular, corrugated structure with spines (Singh, 2003).

The number of day to initiate flowering ranges from 145-156 days, number of effective fruits per plant ranges from 8-15; fruit diameter ranges from 4-8 inches; number of seeds per fruit ranges from 20-200; seed yield per fruit ranges from 15-150g; diameter of seed ranges from 0.4-1.5 cm; weight of 100 seeds ranges from 40-130g; seed yield per plant ranges from 150-1600g (Mishra et al, 2003). Edible parts The seeds of Thangjing are most important edible part.

The fresh seeds are lumpy and surrounded by streaked bright red arils. The arils are taken raw along with iromba (chutney) or Thangjing metpa. After 3-4 days, the aril of fresh seeds get decomposed and they turned into black colour. Seeds are bold enough and having a hard outer covering. The diameter varies from 0.5 to 1.5 cm. The edible part of the seed is its periderm which is white and starchy in nature. In Manipur, the periderm portion is taken as raw or after boiling for iromba or after cooking with Nakuppi (Allium tuberosum) (Chinese chives).

Nutritional and medicinal importance

The edible parts of Thangjing seeds contains 12.8% moisture, 9.7% protein, 0.1% fat, 76.9% carbohydrates, 0.5% mineral matters and 1.45 iron, besides a good proportion of sugar, ascorbic acid and phenol (Nath and Chakraborty, 1985).

Medicinally, it is also very important to have remedy for several human ailments; culinary, digestive, renal and reproductive problems. The seeds are used for the treatment of stomachache, articular pain, seminal loss, diabetes, spleen and gonorrhoea diseases. The puffs are easily digestible and good for human health because of its low fat content (Jha and Barat, 2003).

Economics of Thangjing plantation

A farmer in Imphal East district, planted Thangjing in his .32acre paddy field. After 70 days of plantation he could harvest the Thangjing fruits. In one month, a maximum of 5 (five) Thangjing fruits are harvested by him from a single plant. The sales price of Thangjing fruit at the farmer’s field is Rs. 15 per fruit. As such, a sum of Rs. 75 (Rs. 15 x5 = 75) can be earned from a plant in a month. As there are 300 plants he earns a sum of Rs. 22,500/- (Rs. 75 x 300) per month.

The productivity period are three months. So, during 3 months (August to October) he earns Rs. 67,500 (Rs. 22,500 x 3) from his .32 acre paddy field [Source: M. Ibomcha Singh, Thangjing farmer, Kongba Uchekon Khunou, Imphal East District] .

Discussion

Thangjing is also known as Makhana in other states (Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal and Assam) of India. It is either eaten as raw puff or blended with vegetables, dal, etc. The seeds are edible after being processed and highly nutritious. It is considered as one of the superior food qualities, which is reflected in its high amino acid index (89% to 93%) and arginine + lysine/proline ratio (4.74 – 7.6) (Nath and Chakraborty, 1985).

Calorific value (3.62 kcal/gm) is also remarkable as compared to staple foods (Anonymous, The wealth of India, 1952). It has a prominent place in Indian dietary chart with medicinal values for respiratory, circulatory, digestive, renal and reproductive diseases (Mandal et al, 2010).

In regards to economic of Makhana in Bihar state 13,000 ha are utilized for its cultivation and 90,000 tons nuts are being harvested from those areas per year. One hundred kilogram of fruits can produce about 35 kg of seeds. It is also reported that about 36,000 tons processed seeds are marketed every year (Choudhury et al, 2003).

Whereas in Imphal East district, Manipur a sum of Rs. 67,500/- could be earned by a farmer from his 0.32 acre paddy field in 3 months (August to October) in the cultivation of Thangjing. As such, Thangjing cultivation can fetch more revenue to low income group in Manipur.

Conclusion

Thangjing is one of the prominent nutritious aquatic crops in Manipur for imminent climate change and to enhance water bodies productivity. Its cultivation can fetch more revenue to the poor income groups. But it requires sincere efforts including dissemination of traditional knowledge as well as awareness to cultivate Thangjing.


* Prof N Irabanta Singhwrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is former Professor (Higher Academic Grade)/Life Sciences, and former Dean, School of Life Sciences, Manipur University, Canchipur, and can be contacted at irabanta(DOT)singh(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was posted on December 01, 2016.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Of guns and football
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Epom Amadei Ithak - A theatrical revisit
  • Economy of the dynamic global landscape
  • Is the Bhagavad Gita relevant today ?
  • Healthy hair in Winter
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2025
  • From the battlefields to Delhi
  • Speculations on replacement of Chief Minister
  • 12th Legislative Assembly #2 : Gallery
  • Education & its disjuncture in Manipur
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Fest 2025 : Theme
  • Coo :: Poem
  • Agartala Coach : India U-19 Women Cricket
  • The story of the village of hope
  • Career choice in wetlands
  • CM in Delhi to meet Shah
  • After failed plastic ban bid, on brickfields
  • New catfish species discovered in Chakpi
  • Love, Unsure :: Poem
  • Manipur's border battles: Deeper conflict
  • A world without leprosy
  • Origin of corruption & possible remedies
  • The question of life
  • 'Sereki' unveils Majuli-themed campaign
  • Posers over summons to Delhi
  • Addiction-free campaign
  • Mera Chaorel Houba @Kangla #5 : Gallery
  • Lamtanganba, Adum , Mahaiso : eMing
  • Manipur : Champions Jr Natl Sepaktakraw
  • Effective Unified Command approach
  • Saurashtrian Tamils
  • Accepting the change :: Poem
  • From Kumbh to heaven direct
  • Edge of the seat suspense
  • Wetlands revival efforts reaping fruit
  • Natambakta : Play by JNMDA #4 : Gallery
  • EIIFF 2025 unveils Festival Memento
  • Climate change & plant diseases
  • Shija Hospital- AHPI Healthcare Award
  • Budget 2025: A big gift for middle-class
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #2
  • Cakeology 2025: India's largest cake expo
  • Need to stick to a consistent narrative
  • Leniency on tobacco ban aiding demographic
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Pheiroijam Christina - 21st Miss North East
  • Manipur: Gold at 28th Jr National Sepaktakraw
  • Clarion call for redeeming our rightful future
  • The Power of Poppy - 67 :: Poem
  • Clean energy for sustainability
  • Union Budget: Industrialists from NE speaks
  • Balaram Sougaijamba: General of Manipur
  • Nikhil Okram crowned 14th Mister North East
  • Chadong village: Rising from waters with hope
  • Financial literacy for common man
  • Obituary: (L) Pu Thangkholen Sitlhou
  • Nail care in Winters
  • State of war since 2023: No winner, only losers
  • Talks on new district row
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • February Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Ballad of Letting Go :: Poem
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Fest
  • Deeper exploration of term 'Hill-Valley Divide'
  • Children's Book to adopt 'Look East Policy'
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Endless suffering of internally displaced child
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi conferred Padma Shri
  • Isolate Kuki Militants by facilitating safe return
  • Sports Meet held at Rongdai Village
  • Eco-Apocalypse: Prevent collapse with Green
  • Grand Finale : 21st Mega Miss North East
  • Time to give more teeth to ST demand
  • 5 years of ILP; what about NRC demand ?
  • Remembering Md Ladu, celebrated polo player
  • The Lament of Love's Deceit :: Poem
  • Need for inculcating value based education
  • Royte - Times Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Glass Child Syndrome ! 'Sibling rivalry'
  • 6 Films for NE Section at GAFF 2025
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Impartial anti-extortion cell need of the hour
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #1 : Gallery
  • Conservation Strategies of Pethia manipurensis
  • Remembers 13 Brave Indian Soldiers
  • Workshop: Intl Year of Quantum Science
  • Governor's role and discretionary powers
  • Physics workshop for educators at Agartala
  • Who wins Delhi - Daru or Dharma
  • War on Drugs: A war Manipur cannot loses
  • NE turning into transnational drug hub
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #2
  • Manipur's dystopian reality
  • The day Light reached the hills
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal Intl Film Fest 2025
  • Why is depreciation of rupee not stopping ?
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #5
  • Thoithoiba Yelhou Yangkok Artist #2 : Gallery
  • Republic Day Titbits
  • NIT Manipur: Best Design Award @VLSI Design
  • The Power of Poppy - 66 :: Poem
  • Grand Finale: 14th Mega Mister North East
  • Application : FILMART, Hong Kong
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #1
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Demographic for balkanisation of Manipur
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation at Nambol
  • Jugeshwor Kshetrimayum receives GELA 2025
  • Construction Committee of Meetei Yumpham
  • Call against misuse of social media
  • Positive & negative aspects of social media
  • In Search of Peace in Manipur
  • Embracing the Shadows :: Poem
  • Dr Manmohan Singh will live on
  • Rise in the price of medicines
  • Respecting the dead- Denying is a disgrace
  • Winter skin care tips for oily skin
  • Illegal immigrants :: Of FMR & border fencing
  • JD-U row exposes national parties' apathy
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #2 : Gallery
  • On 'Only BJP can save Manipur'
  • Frontline health workers dispelling darkness
  • 14th East Himalayan Trade Fair
  • Life is plastic
  • Killers on the road : 834 lives lost
  • Call to action to save State's wetlands
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #1
  • The Taste of Dreams wins @Red Intl Film Fest
  • Science: 3rd eye for Meitei-Kuki reconciliation
  • Northeast flies high in direct selling
  • Mastering focus amidst distractions
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #4
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • BJP : Tepid response from the hills
  • BABINA Hospital sets example in healthcare
  • Nitya Ras @Nongmeibung #1 : Gallery
  • Agonizing reality of our country's veteran elites
  • Historicising the colonial narratives
  • NSS Team Departs for National Integration
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Festival 2025
  • Time to recreate Naga Peoples Convention 2.0
  • Career in nutrition
  • Need to give more meaning to War on Drugs
  • Time for real action not empty rhetoric
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #2 : Gallery
  • "Aronba Wari" :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Tripura's livelihoods challenges
  • Archaeological Exhibition @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur needs to affirm her tribal roots
  • Madras/Chennai- 1989 till 2024 : Gallery
  • Investigate "arms recoveries" in Mizoram
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • NE Direct Selling Conference & Expo
  • Response of Delhi in last 20 months
  • Regulated entry after FMR scrap, border
  • Mutua Bahadur : Preserving Manipuri culture
  • Competitive Altruism: Resolving ethnic conflict
  • Pithe Puli Utsav at Agartala
  • Building the best version of yourself
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025
  • Tips to keep your lips soft & smooth in winter
  • Subsidised flight tickets for all
  • MCPCR alert on child trafficking fear
  • Imoinu Erat Thouni @ Wangkhei : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai celebrating Culture in Delhi NCR
  • The Weeping Gods of Manipur :: Poem
  • Disarming Kuki-Zo armed groups under SoO
  • Why nurses deserve more recognition, pay
  • The hidden truths of our social media lives
  • MMTU stand bang on target: Recapping May 3
  • Enhancing aerial options to ease travel woes
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Sustainable development - climate action #1
  • RIST Talk- 62 : Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • "Technically a BJP MLA will rule Nagaland"
  • Makar Sankranti : vibrant customs & traditions
  • Why gold is a strong hedge but ...
  • Delhi date on January 17
  • Onus of addressing tribal issues on new Guv?
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #2 : Gallery
  • Licypriya Kangujam: Nat'l Youth Day Award
  • Barak Festival advocates Peace, Progress
  • 'Yu', not fully liberalised
  • Article 355 equals Governor's Rule ?
  • Calls to vote with conscience
  • Zingtun academy leading by example
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #1 : Gallery
  • Is Kuki-Zo community pushing Nagas to edge?
  • Will drive to find-treat-prevent TB continue ?
  • Smart Cities, dustier roads ?
  • ST of NE & Dalits of mainland India
  • That May :: Poem
  • Understanding Red, Yellow, Green
  • Cong posers on Govt aid to SoO group
  • Culturals @Tri-Nation Football #1 : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai festival of Kabui/Rongmei
  • 40 Years & 04 Stations- Part IV (Madras)
  • Manipur Gold: 34th Sr Natl Sepaktakraw C'ship
  • Public Health Risk Management Training
  • The Power of Poppy - 64 :: Poem
  • The Science of Success #4
  • Hingminashi Eikhoi : Call for unity in diversity
  • A Hymn for Goddess Emoinu
  • Are the foods we eat, correct ?
  • Gangtok, Sikkim (1983 till 1988) : Gallery
  • The Taste of Dreams : Teaser Unveiled
  • Be a child of courage & conquer obstacle
  • Hans Renal Care Centre in Guwahati
  • Focus on pre-May 3, 2023 period
  • Conundrum over the genesis of crisis
  • Misna Chanu aids to Jiribam IDPs : Gallery
  • North-East Students invited to JEE Main 2025
  • Empower the State else avoid blame on CM
  • Obituary : Thaunawjam Brajamohon
  • Hope :: Poem
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #3
  • Winter makeup tips for dry skin
  • Imphal, Delhi still groping in the dark
  • Tension over assault case, land claims
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #2: Gallery
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #1 : Gallery
  • Ningol Chakkouba @ Delhi #3 : Gallery
  • Indigenous Pottery Making @Imphal : Gallery
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #2 : Gallery
  • The historical account of Kabaw Valley #3
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #6: Gallery
  • E-Pao.net : 25th Anniv & 2025 Wishes
  • Protest @Delhi - Murder of Meiteis #2: Gallery
  • "Connections", art exhibitt @ DC : Gallery
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #1 : Gallery
  • Mera Chaorel Houba #4 : Gallery
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #1 : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Indigenous People Cultural Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #1: Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet