Thangjing farming gets a boost
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 15 2026: Farmers engaged in thangjing (makhana) farming and those keen to take it up should avail benefits under the Makhana Development Scheme, Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation K Debadutta Sharma said on Thursday.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of a 'Training cum Awareness Programme on Scientific Cultivation of Makhana for Enhancing Livelihood of Farmers' held at Youth Hostel, Khuman Lampak.

The programme was organised by the Manipur Makhana Development Agency (MMDA) under the Horticulture & Soil Conservation Department.

Around 50 trainees took part in the event held under the Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana in Manipur, a scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.

Sharma said farmers in Manipur who cultivate or wish to cultivate thangjing, widely consumed in the State, can avail support for area expansion, integrated farming, higher production and better income under the scheme.

He urged thangjing growers to make use of the opportunities and increase production.

Fish farmers can also take benefits from the scheme, he added.

The Horticulture Department is working with stakeholders including ICAR, KVKs and CAU on makhana.

The programme will run for six years, Sharma said.

The Makhana Development Scheme was launched as a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2025-26 and implementation began in 2026-27, he said.

As per Government of India guidelines, the Manipur Makhana Development Agency was set up under the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department.

All makhana-related activities in the State will be implemented through the agency, Sharma said.

He noted that thangjing has been traditionally grown in wetlands, lakes and marshy areas of the valley and has strong potential for large-scale production.

Citing scientific research, Sharma said thangjing has high antioxidant levels, rich protein and balanced carbohydrates.

It also contains minerals like magnesium, iron and zinc that are beneficial for health, and has been termed a "super food" .

Given its health benefits, thangjing can be developed into more widely consumed food forms, opening entrepreneurship and employment avenues for youth, Sharma added .

Integrated farming of fish with thangjing is possible, and scientific technology can boost yield.

Nutrients in the plant's leaves, stem, flower and seed coat can be used to make vermicompost, he said.

Commissioner cum Secretary, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Thaithuilung Pamei, who attended the programme, urged farmers to expand thangjing cultivation in the State's wetlands and improve the local economy through increased production.

Mission Director, MIDH, Chungong Pamei of the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department also took part in the programme.

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