Kachai lemon fest : Cold storage on the anvil
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, February 07 2025: The 21st State level Kachai Lemon Festival has begun today.

Organised under the theme 'Zest for life; embracing lemons' health benefits', this annual festival celebrates the unique Kachai lemon, which is grown exclusively in Kachai village of Ukhrul district.

The festival aims to promote the lemon and encourage farmers, providing a platform for them to showcase and sell their products.

The inaugural function held at Kachai village under LM Block, Ukhrul was graced by Commissioner of Horticulture & Soil Conservation Thaithuilung Pamei.

Even as the festival was inaugurated today, scientists and experts reached the venue yesterday.

Kachai lemon fest : Cold storage on the anvil

Delivering the welcome speech, chairman of Kachai Fruit Farming & Processing Co-operative Society Ltd (KFF &PCS) RK Mayasang said that the objective of the festival is to boost lemon production and quality, provide a platform for farmers to showcase and sell their lemons and enhance the economic livelihood of lemon growers.

Thaithuilung Pamei, the chief guest, announced that the State Government will set up a cold storage facility with a capacity of 75 metric tons at Kachai village very soon.

Pamei further mentioned that 15 youth will be sent to Central Citrus Research Centre in Nagpur for training on the latest technologies, research, and best practices in citrus cultivation.

He expressed the need to upscale the festival and expand the market of Kachai lemon.

James S Vashum narrated his success story of lemon business.

James said that he planted 600 lemon saplings in 2017 and subsequently produced over 1700 kg of lemon in 2024 .

However, the hail storm that hit parts of Manipur last year destroyed several lemon plants, he added.

Head of KVK, Ukhrul Solei Luiram said that the size and juice content of Kachai lemon has reduced.

He also said, the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) of Kachai lemon has reduced from 14 per cent in 2024 to just 2 per cent this year.

With 77 stalls set up for lemon sale, the festival offers a vast platform for farmers and sellers to showcase and sell their fresh lemons.

The lemons are being sold at Rs 50 per Kg during the festival.

In the competition section, best Kachai lemon award was awarded to Noami L Vashum, RS Kanmila and Ruimila Kashung while best pest management was given to Pamyola and Gideon.

Khashim, Ningtharla and Pomila, on the other hand, were named the best exhibitors.

The inaugural function witnesses myriad displays of cultural dance, musical performance featuring local artists Achui Soro, Shimshang Pheirei, Atha Humao and Nimzing Horam.

According to reports, over 500 members were registered in the KFF& PCS of Kachai village.

The programme was attended by Yeite Khupsorel Koireng, Joint Director of Horticulture & Soil Conservation as functional president and SDO LM Block Ngamreiwung Luithui and SDO Roland Ningshen as guests of honour.

Kachai Fruit Farming & Processing Co-operative Society Ltd (KFF&PCS) is organising the festival in collaboration with Eastern Border Area Development Authority (EBADA), MIDH, MOMA Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Tourism, Co-operation Department, MACS, ICAR, KVK, Ukhrul and District Administration Ukhrul under the sponsorship of NEC .