More local citrus of Manipur to be listed as GI crop, says Donald Soubam
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 25 2026: A three-day "Entrepreneurship Development Programme on Promotion of Citripreneurship in Manipur", organised at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, successfully concluded today.

The programme was organised by the Agriculture Business Incubation (ABI), ICAR Manipur Centre, with funding from the Central Citrus Research Institute (CCRI), Nagpur, Maharashtra.

The valedictory function was graced by Donald Soubam, Project Director, Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA), Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur, as the chief guest.

Dr Ch Basudha Devi, Head of ICAR Manipur Centre; and Dr Kh Rishikanta Singh, Course Director & Incharge ABI, also attended the function as presidium members.

Speaking at the event, Donald Soubam announced that MOMA is making efforts to include more indigenous, unique citrus crops from the state in the Geographical Indication (GI) list, in addition to the already listed Kachai lemon and Tamenglong orange.

He emphasized the importance of creating a strong business plan and converting ideas into potential products for entrepreneurial success, highlighting the various institutional supports available through MOMA.

Dr Ch Basudha spoke on the socio-economic, medicinal, and religious significance of the various citrus varieties in the State, stressing the need to preserve this biodiversity and focus on developing innovative value-added products.

Dr Kh Rishikanta urged citrus growers to produce high-quality citrus that meets the parameters of potential buyers to secure better market prices.

The training programme saw participation from citrus growers and farmers across various districts of the State, including Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney, Tamenglong, and Bishnupur.

Various agri-inputs were also distributed to the participants as part of the programme.

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