1st Ginger Festival showcases four native varieties
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, December 09 2024: Self-Help Group (SHG) Federation of Kazipphung in Hungpung village, celebrated its first-ever Ginger Festival at the Kazipphung High School ground on Monday, showcasing four indigenous ginger varieties.

Held under the theme "Ginger for Sustenance of Livelihood", the festival was attended by Ukhrul deputy commissioner Zuringla Ken-goo as the chief guest, alongside retired bureaucrat Martin Muivah as the guest of honour.

Ukhrul SDO Dinringam Kamei, UDWIN director Ringyuichon Vashum, and Ukhrul district forest officer (DFO) Laishram Gitla attended the festival as special guests.

DC Kengoo officially opened the one-day festival by cutting the ceremonial ribbon and toured the various stalls set up by the SHG Federation, which showcased a diverse array of indigenous crops and vegetables, including the featured ginger varieties.

In her address, Kengoo praised the SHG Federation for its commitment to promoting local ginger varieties and contributing to the enhancement of the rural economy.

SDO Kamei, along with Vashum and Gitla, also commended the federation and provided suggestions to bolster organic ginger production and expand market reach beyond Ukhrul.

SHG Federation president K Chui-haola highlighted the challenges local ginger growers have faced in securing markets for their products due to limited volumes.

"We have realised that we need mass production of ginger to address this market issue," she stated.

Talking to media persons, Leishimi, a member of the SHG, informed that 14 SHGs with a total of 257 members participated in the festival, each producing aL least 10,000 kilograms of ginger.

She noted that actual production figures were likely much higher, with more ginger yet to be harvested.

The festival featured four ginger varieties, including two types of 'Huira' ginger and 'Hao' or 'Awoayi' Hui.

Huira, known for being the most expensive variety, was priced at Rs 200 per kilogram, offered at a 50 per cent discount from the market rate, while the other varieties were sold for Rs 50 per kilogram.

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