State seeking GI tags for six products
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 07 2026: Promoting Manipur's unique indigenous products remains a major priority, and as such efforts are on to get Geographical Indication (GI) tags for six State produce, said K Debadutta Sharma, Director, Horticulture & Soil Conservation at the "Meet the Press" programme at the DIPR auditorium on Friday.

The focus is to promote the State's unique and indigenous products.

The six products for which GI tag is being sought include Hei-mang (Chinese sumac or wild varnish), Kanglayen (split-gill mushroom), Chatric Umorok, Talui garlic, Hawai Makhayatmubi (a local pea variety) and Khousabung Kihom (pineapple), Sharma said.

Some of the State produce, including Chakhao (black aromatic rice), Tamenglong Orange and Sirarakhong Hathei (Chilli) have already received Geographical Indication (GI) tags.

Outlining a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen the horticulture sector through improved organic farming, enhanced market access, value addition and introduction of modern infrastructure, Sharma said all of the directorate's initiatives are aimed at improving farmers' income while positioning Manipur as a leading organic horticulture State.

He said the Mission Organic Value Chain Develop- ment for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) now covers 43,000 hectares in Manipur and is benefiting an equal number of farmers across the State.

The State has 76 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and 17,563 hectares of land has already been certified for organic cultivation, he said.

To improve the horticulture value chain, the Department has established 126 collection centres, 98 input delivery units, 22 warehouses, 64 transport vehicles, 82 processing units, 14 vermicompost units and three cold rooms.

Nearly 26,900 training and capacity-building programmes have also been organised under MOVCDNER during 2016-2026, he added.

While the Organic Manipur brand has been launched to increase demands and visibility, marketing has also expanded through seven organic retail outlets across India and one outlet at Ajman in the United Arab Emirates.

Around 25 products are being prepared with international barcodes for export, he said.

Sharma further stated that the department has facilitated the marketing of more than 1,000 metric tonnes of Chakhao, 700 metric tonnes of pineapple, 600 metric tonnes of turmeric, 5 metric tonnes of avocado, 10 metric tonnes of Kiwi fruit, 500 metric tonnes of ginger, 5 metric tonnes of dry Umorok outside the State and abroad.

Support has also been extended to local entrepreneurs, including Thangjam Agro Industries Pvt Ltd, which established Manipur's first tetra-pack fruit juice processing unit under the LIKLA brand, he added.

MOMA has received National recognition through awards, including honours at the Jaivik India Awards and organic food exhibitions, he added.

Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) during 2025-26, the department established 18 nurseries, expanded fruit plantations over 525 hectares and promoted hybrid vegetable cultivation on 1,900 hectares of land.

Farmers have received assistance for mushroom production, protected cultivation, water harvesting structures, bee boxes, tractors, power tillers, sprayers, solar crop dryers, pack houses and marketing infrastructure, besides regular training and exposure visits, he said.

Sharma further stated that under the Per Drop More Crop component of PM-RKVY, micro-irrigation systems have been developed over 324 hectares.

The department has also distributed 685 diesel pump sets and supported the construction of 115 farm ponds to improve water availability.

Around 1,000 farmers have been enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and nearly 500 have received compensations.

Efforts are underway to expand insurance coverage to more crops and farmers.

Sharma said the department is promoting diversified livelihoods through the Manipur Beekeeping and Honey Mission, expansion of Makhana (Thangjing) cultivation and a Rs 4 crore Integrated Farming Project at Huishu village in Ukhrul district, integrating horticulture, livestock, fisheries, agro-forestry and beekeeping.

He also informed that the department has proposed several future initiatives, including a Model Integrated Horticulture Centre, a Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Mao, a National Institute of Indian Lotus (NIIL), pilot projects for introduction and expansion of coffee cultivation, floriculture units, mushroom development programmes, additional Organic Manipur outlets and a dedicated seed and organic certification agency.

Sustainable horticulture-based livelihood programmes will also be promoted in poppy-affected areas to provide alternative income opportunities and further strengthen Manipur's organic horticulture sector, he added.

Several officials of the department attended the press meet.

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