Talui Garlic Festival logs Rs 12 lakh turnover
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, April 03 2024: The annual XI District Level 'Shuri Kaso Phanit', also known as the Talui Garlic Festival, held on Wednesday witnessed a remarkable turnover of Rs 12 lakh generated through the exhibition and sale of more than 6000 kg of the allium crop at Talui village under Chingai sub-division in Ukhrul district.

The day-long festival promoting the indigenous garlic unique to Talui village was organised by the Talui Kharngarum SHG Federation under which 11 SHGs with 214 members are operating in the village.

'Shuri Kaso' has gained recognition for its distinctive taste and ability to regulate blood pressure and diabetes, as well as various other health benefits.

The festival was attended by retired IAS Sword Vashum as chief guest with Talui hereditary headman Talui S Akhai and Ukhrul District Women Institute of Micro-credit (UDWIM) director Ringyui-chon Vashum as special guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Sword Vashum expressed delight that Ta-lui's 'Shuri Kaso' has gained recognition not only in the state but also outside.

However, for a long time, people only appreciated its gastronomic value without realising its other benefits.

"Our ancestors used to practice natural farming, but now the trend has shifted towards commercial farming," he said.

Expressing concern that this change has led to cultivation of crops using harmful chemicals, primarily driven by the motive of economic gain, Sword noted that as a result, there has been a rise in health issues among the present generation.

"Even then, while the tradition of organic farming has been mostly replaced by chemicals in different parts of district, it's heartening to see the local women putting in efforts to sustain their livelihood through cultivation of organic Shuri Kaso," he remarked.

The former MLA candidate also emphasised the need for local garlic farmers to explore sources where they can obtain financial assistance from the government.

He urged them to carefully plan their farming operations to avoid potential losses and conduct proper market analysis to determine prices from time to time.

In his address, S Akhai stated that 'Shuri Kaso' holds a significant place in the identity of Talui village.

In light of this, he urged for the promotion of the garlic festival and stressed the importance of collective efforts and unity in sustaining the livelihood of the villagers.

According to Talui acting headman Henry Lungleng, 'Shuri,Kaso' possesses the potential to provide a significant means of livelihood for the people.

"This applies not only to farmers and businessmen, but to all members of the community as a whole," he said.

He stated that once a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for this distinctive crop is obtained, it will allow for the festival to reach even greater heights.

Talking to the media on the sidelines of the celebration, Talui Kharngarum SHG Federation chairperson RK Ningchim informed that the federation had successfully produced over 6000 kg of garlic this year for the festival.

However, she noted that the entire village, where every household grows the crop, may have produced over 10000 kg.

The garlic was sold at Rs 200 a kilogram during the festival, she informed.

Ningchim also explained 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.

She emphasised the significance of 'Shuri Kaso' for the villagers of Talui and how they have put in tremendous efforts to sustain its production year after year.

Ningchim acknowledged that farming garlic can be challenging, especially for poor farmers who require a great deal of labour to nurture and maintain the crop.

She, however, lamented the lack of government support for the local farmers, despite their struggles, except the few trainings provided by MOMA and KVK.

On behalf of the Federation, Ningchim expressed her desire to expand garlic farming for higher production, but stated that this has been hindered by a lack of funds.

She appealed to the state authorities to provide assistance to local farmers.

She also acknowledged the crucial role played by UDWIM in the survival of the Federation and the sustainable production of garlic in the village.

Ningchim disclosed that in 2000, UDWIM had granted the federation a loan of Rs 12.5 lakh for Income Generating Activities (IGA), of which Rs 75,000 had been kept as a revolving fund.

This loan helped to enhance garlic production and kickstart the garlic festival in 2003, she added.

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