'Yongchak Festival' set for Mar 17
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 11 2026:
The 4th Two-Day Yongchak (Tree Bean) Festival cum National Seminar is set for March 17-18, 2026, at CSIR-NEIST, Branch Laboratory, Lamphelpat.
The event aims to address the alarming decline of Yongchak, a cherished traditional food crop in Manipur with deep social, cultural, and economic value.
As per a release issued by Apunba Imagi.
Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, Yongchak is a significant part of local food habits, supports local markets, and contributes substantially to household incomes.
Its decline poses a threat not only to a plant species but also to Manipur's food heritage, rural economy, biodiversity, and future generations.
This year's programme marks the fourth major public initiative in the ongoing Yongchak movement.
The seminar at CSIR-NEIST aims to deepen the public and scientific response to the issue.
It is expected to gather scientists, researchers, teachers, students, farmers, entrepreneurs, officials, CSOs, and the public to discuss causes of decline, possible remedies, scientific management, plantation strategies, and long-term conservation.




