CAU identifies Chiru Maroi, seeks GI tag
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 15 2026: The Central Agricultural University, Imphal, in collaboration with ICAR, has achieved a significant milestone in the scientific documentation and identification of Manipur's indigenous bunching onion locally known as "Chiru Maroi" .

The crop has been scientifically identified as Allium fistulosum var.

Chiru maroi novel variety, and the findings have been published in the journal Phytotaxa.

CAU identifies Chiru Maroi, seeks GI tag

CAU Imphal said the identification of the indigenous crop took eight years of dedicated research, done by Dr Mariam Anal, Assistant Professor (Horticulture), College of Agriculture, Iroisemba, Imphal and a team of ICAR led by Dr Anil Khar, Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR-IARI Regional Station, Pune.

The indigenous crop is traditionally cultivated by the Chiru tribal farming community in Bungte Chiru and Nungshai Chiru villages of Kangpokpi district.

The study and the identification of the Chiru Maroi reflects the rich agricultural heritage and traditional knowledge of the indigenous communities of Manipur, said CAU .

This landmark achievement represents a major contribution by CAU and ICAR towards the scientific recognition, conservation and promotion of indigenous agricultural biodiversity of Manipur.

The University is now exploring the process for obtaining a Geographical Indication (G) tag for Chiru Maroi, which would provide recognition and protection to this unique indigenous crop and the traditional farming community associated with it, CAU Imphal said.

As a further step towards acknowledging and protecting the traditional knowledge of the farming community, efforts are also being pursued for a Genome Award from PPVFRA, New Delhi for the farming community of Bungte Chiru.

The Central Agricultural University is also taking up initiatives for value addition, promotion and commercialisation of the Chiru Maroi to create opportunities for enhanced livelihood and economic benefits of the indigenous farming community.