Sirarakhong Hathei Phanit from Aug 29
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20 2024: Sirarakhong Hathei Phanit-2024 or Sirarakhong Chili Festival would be held on August 29 and 30 at Sirarakhong village, Ukhrul district.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here this afternoon, Sirarakhong village chairman V Ningkhan Zimik said that US Vice-President Kamala D Harris bought 3000 Kgs of Sirarakhong chilli last year and she commented that Sirarakhong chilli is special with unique qualities.

It was a private firm called Hill Wild which sold Sirarakhong chilli to the US Vice President, Ningkhan Zimik said.

Notably, Sirarakhong Phanit has already received GI tag.

"The demand for Sirara-khong chilli at National and international markets has been growing day by day.

The problem lies in our inability to meet the de- mands", Ningkhan Zimik said.

He said that they are organising the Sirarakhong chilli festival for the 13th time after a gap of four years due to the Covid pandemic and the efforts to get GI tag for Sirarakhong chilli.

He then sought public support so as to make this year's festival a grand success.

He said that around 30 tonnes of Sirarakhong chilli can be harvested in a year if the weather condition is favourable.

However, it is estimated that not more than 25 tonnes can be harvested this year on account of excessive rainfall.

Sirarakhong Hathei Promotion Committee chairman Nimyui Zimik said that the Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) took a big role in getting GI tag for Sirarakhong chilli.

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