Maroi Nakuppi cultivation becomes a substantial source of income for locals of Kangla Sanggomsang
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 09 2019: Majority of the locals in Kangla Sanggomsang village, Imphal East district have been actively engaged in large-scale plantation and cultivation of Maroi Yenam Nakuppi, a small grass like plants which is believed to have medicinal values and is largely consumed by natives of this State.

Ngangbam Lelen (50), a History topper and a gold medallist turned farmer, while speaking to The Sangai Express, claimed that those who are in this business of cultivating Maroi Nakuppi are living a sufficient life while expressing his desire to turn the place into a model village through work culture.

He noted that Maroi yenam Nakuppi is rather a necessary ingredient while cooking daily meals and is utilised when making an offering to the gods.

Lelen maintained that he followed the footsteps of his parents and began cultivating the said plants in bulk as he believed that sufficient income can be generated through this profession.

He went on to state that he started the venture from 2002 when he bought saplings of Ningtham Sidabi Maroi Yenam Nakuppi and planted them in his 10 acres broad field.

Altogether, five people including three women are working in this Maroi field/farm.

Maroi Nakuppi cultivation becomes a substantial source of income for locals of Kangla Sanggomsang

Lelen said that the Nakuppi planted in winter can be plucked a month after planting while it takes only 18-20 days in summer season.

The price range for a bundle of Nakuppi in summer ranges from Rs 20 to Rs 40 while a bundle of Nakuppi can cost Rs 100 during winter season, he added.

On the other hand, his mother takes the freshly cut Nakuppi to Khwairamband market as the first thing in the morning, Lelen mentioned adding that over 150 bundles of Maroi Nakuppi are transported to the market in a Tata DI.

Describing the plant, Lelen stated that those Nakuppi which has used extreme urea based fertilisers and chemicals look longer and a little darker in colour as compared to the ones which uses little fertilisers.

He added that Nakuppi grown using little fertilisers are shorter and a little reddish in colour.

Maintaining that he had to utilise as less chemical fertilisers as he can for his plants, he asserted that it would be rather better if the State Government comes up with a plan/policy to put a complete halt on the import of urea based fertilisers in the State.

He further conveyed that utilising a heavy amount of urea-based fertilisers on the fields has greatly affected the agricultural produce in the State.

Lelen remarked that it would be a good initiative on the part of the Agriculture and Horticulture Department experts and Scientists if they can work together and substitute the chemical fertilisers with organic products and subsequently encouraging the farmers to utilise the organic products.

It has been widely known that use of fertilisers can cause numerous health hazards and diseases, he noted.

Majority of households in Top Moirangkampu (Sajeb), Kangla Angom Leikai, Kangla Siphai and Kongpal are taking up Nakupi cultivation as their source of livelihood.

Conveying that the most successful produce in the field of agriculture in Imphal East district is possibly the Maroi Nakuppi, Lelen said that the first ever Maroi Yenam Nakuppi festival has also been organised at Top Moirangkampu (Sajeb).

Nowadays, Thoubal, Malom, Bishnupur are also taking up this occupation, he added.

Among the 200 different clans residing in Kangla Sanggomsang village, many are working in Government offices while the remaining dedicate their time in farming, animal rearing etc.

Meanwhile, most of the womenfolk are into weaving and farming, he maintained.

Different facilities and infrastructures including water, electricity, roads of Kangla Sanggomsang are in a good condition, he said adding that water pumped from Iril river are sufficient for watering the plants.

Lelen said, seven to eight saplings of Nakuppi are planted after tilling the soil and manures and husks are put at the bottom of the plants to help them grow.

The income generated from selling Nakuppi is enough to manage a family and send their children to school as well, Lelen remarked.

Ngangbam Lelen, after completing his studies also worked as a dedicated lecturer in the History Department at NG Mani College in Khurai.

He said that he would invest his monthly salary on improving the condition of the College Library among other fields.

Lelen, despite acquiring top spot in academics, dedicates his life in changing his village into a modern village through work culture and improving the lives of the locals.