District Level Garlic Festival kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, April 03 2024:
The 11th edition of District Level Shuri Kaso Phanit (Garlic) Festival kicked off today at Talui village.
The festival was inaugurated by retired IAS Sword Vashum as chief guest by cutting the ribbon in the presence of Hereditary Headman S Akhai; Director of Ukhrul District Women Institute of Micro-Credit (UDWIM) Ringyuichon Vashum; Acting Headman Henry Lungleng and SHG Federation leaders of the village.
Speaking on the occasion, Sword Vashum stated that Talui Shuri Kaso (the indigenous garlic variety found in the village) has gained recognition not only within the State but also outside.
However, for a long time, people only appreciated its gastronomic value without realizing its other health benefits, he said.
He further expressed concern over the rising trend of commercial farming of Shuri Kaso using chemicals driven by the motive of economic gains by giving up the natural farming system followed by the ancestors.
He went on to highlight the impacts of commercial farming leading to a rise of health issues among the current generation.
'Amid this ongoing trend.
it is heartening to see the local womenfolk making dedicated efforts to sustain their livelihood through the cultivation of organic Talui garlic', he remarked.
Hereditary Headman S Akhai while speaking at the occasion stressed that Talui Shuri Kaso holds a significant place in the identity of Talui village and urged all to make concerted efforts for the promotion of this garlic festival.
Meanwhile, Talui Acting Headman, Henry Lungleng underscored the need of obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) tag registration of Talui Shuri Kaso.
According to Talui Khamgarum SHG Federation chairperson RK Ningchim, the federation had produced over 6000 kg of garlic this year for the festival and has been put for sale at a rate Rs 200 per kg.
She said that the planting season for garlic begins from the last week of August to October and the harvest season typically runs from December to March or April.
Ningchim also acknowledged the crucial role played by UDWIM in the survival of the federation and the sustainable production of garlic in the village.
It might be mentioned that Talui Khamgarum SHG Federation currently has 11 SHGs with 214 members operating in the village.