600 Kgs of dry U-Morok bound for US
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 05 2022:
A total of 600 Kgs of dry U-Morok (King Chilli) were sent to the United States by Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Letpao Haokip today.
A mini-truck loaded with the dry U-Morok was flagged off from Koirengei by Letpao Haokip.
He said that the U-Moroks were produced in Tamenglong and Noney districts by following organic method of cultivation.
Letpao Haokip said that the US ordered the U-Morok consignment after clinically ascertaining that it was free from chemical fertilizers and other inputs.
He went on to claim that many horticultural produces of Manipur which are cultivated using organic method are gaining popularity not only in India but also abroad.
Pineapples from Manipur are already sold in Dubai.
Kiwi, ginger and turmeric are also being exported to different States of India, he said.
He then called upon all the farmers to work harder.
Development of horticulture would help in augmenting the income of farmers and in alleviating the State's economy, Letpao said.
He said that Chief Minister N Biren has been paying special attention to the horticulture sector.
Additional Chief Secretary (Horticulture) P Vaiphei, Horticulture Director Honey Chara, MOMA Project Director K Debadutta Sharma, Nahakpam Foods and Beverages Pvt Ltd proprietor Nahakpam Shanta and representatives of different FPCs were also present at the flag off function.
The U-Morok consignment sent to the US today were produced by FPCs based in Tamenglong and Noney districts in collaboration with MOMA under MOVCDNER.
Nahakpam Foods and Beverages Pvt Ltd bought the U-Moroks and dried them before marketing them to the USA.
The firm is planning to sell 1.10 MT of U-Morok to the US.
The first consignment of 600 Kgs was sent today.
Nahakpam Shanta who is also the proprietor of Freshies Fresh said that some samples of the U-Morok sent today were first tested in the laboratory on six/seven parameters set by the US standards.
The buyer ordered the consignment after they were satisfied with the results of the test, Shanta said.
Highlighting the growing need for farmers to know about the testing protocol, Shanta appealed to all farmers to always keep an eye on future markets.
"Only then, we can capture foreign markets", he said.