IMPHAL, Jul 5 : Manipur’s horticulture department has taken up steps for getting GI (Geographical Indication) tag for Tamenglong orange, Siroi lily and Shirarakhong chilly found in the state. Previously, the Kachai lemon found in Ukhrul district of the state was given the GI tag in April 2015. Popularly known as Kachai Champra, the lemon is one among the ten horticultural products from North East India to have got the GI tag.
Addressing a press conference in Imphal on Monday, the director of Horticulture said that steps have already been taken up for getting GI index for the orange, Siroi lily and Shirarakhong chilly.
Orange grown in Tameng-long district is famous for its taste while siroi lily, the state flower of Manipur is a rare Indian species of plant found only in the upper reaches of the Siroi hill ranges in Ukhrul district and Shirarakhong chilly grown in Shirarakhong village of Ukhrul district is different from other chilly in size, colour and taste.
The announcement comes in the wake of a renewed focus by the Manipur government on Horticulture. Giving a brief account of various works, the director said that his department was targeting to cover 80% of the total area potential for development of horticulture.
Courtesy- Northeast Today
