Ukhrul, Jan 22 : The 13th district level Kachai lemon festival was celebrated successfully at Kachai village, Ukhrul district with AS Ningmi, Additional Director (Horticulture & Soil Conservation), Kiran Kumar, DHO (Horticulture & Soil Conservation) Ukhrul, K Joychandra Sharma, officer-in-charge, MIDH and K Debadutta Sharma CEO, MOMA, as presidium members.
Despite insufficient rainfall and occurrence of pest, the annual yield of Kachai lemon recorded over 5 metric tonnes this year. This figure was recorded as products sold in the annual lemon festival held every year on January 20. Over 250 lemon growers of Kachai area participated in the event organized by the Kachai Farming & Processing Co-operative Society and supported by Manipur Organic Mission Agency, MOMA , Manipur Tourism and Manipur State AIDS Control Society, MSACS, Government of Manipur.
200 Kachai lemon stalls were set up apart from other locally grown organic vegetables. Importance of conservation of flora and fauna and afforestation were stressed by the dignitaries during the programme. They also spoke on the uniqueness of Kachai lemon which is grown only in Kachai area, its health benefits and market promotion.
Kensith Horam, chairman, the Cooperative Society, said that despite being conferred the prestigious GI tag, Kachai lemon production and its popularity have not been augmented as expected and alleged the State Government of not giving required importance.
The chairman also informed that Kachai lemon growers have decided to go organic and they are being assisted in this direction by MOMA, Department of Horticulture, Government of Manipur.
The Lemon Festival which featured a buyer-seller meet and an organic workshop conducted by MOMA, also gave away awards to lemon growers with scientists of ICAR as jury members. Prizes to three best Kachai lemon growers namely V Ngamreila Sira, K Rosy and Shoima Vashum were distributed.
Best exhibitor’s awards went to Theimi Vashum, Ringmichon Vashum and RK Ningtharla.
Source: The Sangai Express
