Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah bats for indigenous crops
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, September 25 2024: The 5th edition of the Ukhrul Squash/'Chayote' Festival 2024 began on Wednesday at the 35 Assam Rifles Ukhrul Town post, Thahao, showcasing as many as 52 varieties of squash.

The festival is being organised by the Hunphun-Ukhrul Self Help Group (SHG) Federation till September 27.Attending the inaugural function of the festival as chief guest, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah emphasised the significance of indigenous seasonal crops for promoting good health.

He noted that crops, such as squash, not only enhance dietary options but also play a crucial role in bolstering the local economy.

"Promoting the cultivation and consumption of squash could serve as a vital catalyst for economic development in the district," he remarked.

Referring to squash as 'Matekchim kahaiya sina' (green gold), the MLA highlighted the numerous health benefits associated with the crop.

He urged local farmers to expand its cultivation to create markets beyond Ukhrul.

Muivah commended the self-help groups (SHGs) in Ukhrul for their efforts in preserving and promoting the indigenous crop.

Sharing that around 11,000 kilograms of squash were available for sale during the event, Agnes Shaiza, the festival's convener, remarked that this year's festival showcased the largest variety of squash to date.

She also mentioned that the festival used to attract buyers from across the state, although this year, attendance has been affected by the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur.

Ukhrul District Women Institute of Management (UDWIM) director Ringyuichon Vashum informed that production of value-added products like squash juice and chips has started and the same would be made available at the market very soon.

Earlier in the morning, MLA Muivah inaugurated a storage and work-shed building constructed under VDVK Kendra at Meizailung.

The new facilities will help local farmers and SHGs to store and market their crops.

As part of the festival, a competition was organised among the SHGs.

Machon Alungtang SHG secured first place and received a prize of Rs 5,000.Following closely, Mathuk SHG claimed the second position and was awarded Rs 3,000, while Machon Awongtang SHG and Lank-hok SHG tied for third place, and shared a prize of Rs 2,000.Altogether 20 SHGs from across the town showcased as many as 52 varieties of squash.

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