Feather on the cap for Sirarakhong Hathei chilli
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 13 2026: The Sirarakhong community of Ukhrul district has been conferred the Plant Genome Saviour Community Award 2024-25 by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority.

The award was given recognising a century-long effort to conserve and promote the Sirarakhong Hathei chilli, a GI tagged rare variety of chilli prized for its aroma and antioxidant properties.

The award was presented at the 22nd foundation day of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority held at the Bharat Ratna C Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, NASC Complex, New Delhi.

Dr Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, handed over the award.

Dr Soibam Khogen Singh, Senior Scientist cum Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ukhrul, who attended the award function, said that the award is an outcome of the hard-work of the farmers' community and the continuous support of the KVK Ukhrul.

He also acknowledged the guidance and contributions of Dr G Kardivel, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam and Dr AK Mohanty, Director, ICAR Agricultural Technology Assessment and Research Institute, Zone VII, Umiam, Meghalaya.

Dr Khogen said that the priority now is to scale-up production and value addition, so that the chilli reaches a larger market.

Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, congratulated the KVK Ukhrul and the farmers, and called for strengthening the research network to address shortfalls in cultivation.

The award is conferred by the PPVFRA on farming communities for their contribution to the conservation of plant genetic resources.

A total of five community awards were given for the year 2024-25.The award carries a citation, memento and cash award of Rs 10 lakhs.

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