Govt eyes cold storage facility for Kachai lemon
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, February 07 2025: The 21st edition of the state-level Kachai Lemon Festival-themed "Zest for Life: Embracing Lemons' Health Benefits" - got off to a promising start with a vibrant display of the unique citrus fruit here at Kachai village public ground on Friday.

With a commitment to promoting the conservation, commercial potentials, and tourism appeal of the famed Kachai lemon, the festival will continue till February 9.The inaugural ceremony was attended by Horticulture & Soil Conservation (H&SC) commissioner Thaithuilunhg Pamei as the chief guest, while H&SC joint director Yeite Khupsorel Koireng, LM Block SDO Ngamreiwung Luithui, MIDH mission director Changing Pamei, EBADA & BRVDB project director N Loyalakpa, and Chingai SDO Rolent Ningshen were the guests of honour.

Govt eyes cold storage facility for Kachai lemon

Speaking at the event, commissioner Pamei revealed that Rs 7 lakh has been allocated under the North Eastern Council (NEC) to support the festival's promotion and growth, while applauding the locals for their relentless efforts to promote the citrus fruit through the annual celebration.

He also stated that the government is currently in the process of establishing a 75-metric-ton storage facility for the citrus fruit in Kachai village, while also disclosing plans to send 15 young local farmers to Nagpur, Maharashtra, to help them receive specialised training in citrus fruit cultivation, which will enhance their skills and increase production.

In his speech, Kachai Fruit Farming & Processing Co-operative Society Ltd (KFFPCS) chairman RK Mayasang appreciated the government for recognising Kachai lemon in the form of GI tag, while thanking chief minister N Biren Singh and Veterinary & Animal Husbandry minister Khashim Vashum for their unwavering support towards local lemon growers.

He also disclosed that the Society currently has more than 500 registered lemon growers under it.

Every household in our village is engaged in lemon farming as a vital means of livelihood," said Kachai headman R Mingthing Shimray and urged the government to formulate expansion policies to ensure sustainability of the fruit.

As part of the festival, competitions were held in three categories namely 'Best Kachai Lemon', Best Exhibitor', and Best Management' to recognise outstanding performances in lemon farming and exhibition.

The third day of the festival will witness a Capacity Building Programme for farmers focusing on banking and financing aspects with Dr Sorei Luiram (KVK Ukhrul), Dr Ngalengshim Ngashangva (UNDP-NEICi), Candid Horam (bee-keeping expert), and Rinchon Kashung as resource persons.

The festival is sponsored by NEC Shillong, Government of India, and supported by EBADA, MOMA, MIDH, Horticulture & Soil Conservation Department, Tourism Department, MACS, ICAR Imphal, Co-operative Department, KVK Ukhrul, and Ukhrul district administration.