Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Aug 31:
The two-day Sirarakhong Hathei Festival concluded with a call to preserve and promote the unique Hathei chilli, which has become an integral part of Sirarakhong village’s identity. The closing ceremony was graced by Qr. Ram Muivah, IAS (Retd.), MLA of the 44 Ukhrul Assembly Constituency, who served as the chief guest. In his address, Muivah emphasized the importance of recognizing and sustaining the God-given gift of the Hathei chilli, urging farmers and villagers to continue their dedication to its cultivation.
During the ceremony, Muivah paid tribute to three notable individuals from Sirarakhong village: Qr. Yaopei, a dynamic advocate; Qr. Ngathingkhui Woleng, a retired IAS officer; and Pastor Qr. Maransa Woleng. Reflecting on his long-overdue visit to Sirarakhong, the MLA expressed his happiness at being present in a village that has produced many high-ranking officers and respectable citizens. He also acknowledged the village as one of the pioneering Christian communities in the area.
Muivah highlighted the significance of the Hathei chilli, noting that it should not only become a national identity but also gain recognition on the international stage. “Growing Sirarakhong Hathei is indeed a God-gifted blessing,” he remarked, encouraging farmers to pursue scientific and systematic methods of farming to enhance production. He expressed his deep commitment to protecting, promoting, and preserving the Hathei chilli, which he believes holds immense potential for both the village and the region.
Eno. Ningkhan Zimik, Chairman of Sirarakhong Village, spoke highly of Ram Muivah’s contributions to the development of the people, both as an IAS officer and now as an MLA. Zimik praised Muivah for his selfless dedication and remarked on his reliability and deep connection with the community. Reflecting on the MLA’s recent public statements, Zimik expressed hope that God would continue to open doors of opportunity for Muivah, recognizing his deserving nature and potential for even greater success.
The significance of the Hathei chilli was further emphasized by Eno. Asher Ramsan, General Manager (Retd.), Palynology at ONGC, and advisor to the Sirarakhong Hathei Promotion Committee (SHPC). Ramsan highlighted the need for systematic and scientific approaches to plantation, calling for the transformation of Sirarakhong village into a Hathei-producing hub not just in Manipur but across India and beyond. “Sirarakhong Hathei should be a prized item for the Tangkhul community to gift to others,” he said, underscoring the importance of the chilli in the village’s identity and future.
The festival drew a large number of visitors from across the district and the state, generating significant revenue for local farmers. The Hathei chilli, known for its long, stark-red appearance and distinct taste, has become a vital source of income for the village’s 300 households. Growing over eight inches in length, the Hathei chilli is also rich in vitamin C, calcium, and protein, making it highly sought after.
Chungong Pamei, Mission Director of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur, encouraged farmers to form a Farmers Producer Company to scale up production. He noted that the current farmers struggle to meet the high demand for Hathei chilli, which is sought after in many regions. Pamei urged farmers to adopt strategic market approaches and work toward bumper harvests, involving neighboring villages in the effort. “Let’s make Sirarakhong Hathei a global identity,” he exhorted.
Over the years, the Sirarakhong Hathei Festival, which began in 2009, has played a crucial role in promoting the indigenous chilli variety. The village has gained recognition beyond Manipur for its unique product, and the Hathei chilli has become synonymous with Sirarakhong’s cultural and agricultural heritage.
A highlight of the closing ceremony was a mesmerizing song dedicated to Sirarakhong Hathei, performed in Manipuri by renowned singer Eno. K. Wungchan and the Evergreen Nightingale of Tangkhul, Ql. Lamnu. Their performance added a cultural touch to the event, uplifting the spirits of the audience.
Among the dignitaries present at the festival were Eno. Yeite Khupsurel Koirang, Joint Director of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur; Rohini Kumar, SDO of LM Block; former ADC executives Eno. Edmund Chiphang and Eno. Themreishang; 44-AC NPF President; Reverends and Pastors; and village headmen from neighboring areas. The festival drew participants and well-wishers from across the district and beyond.
In the afternoon, a seminar was held featuring Dr. Star Luikham, Professor of Plant Pathology at FGI, CAS Hengphung; Pemmichon Tungshang, Master Trainer at VDVK, Forest Division, Ukhrul; and Eno. Leiyolan Vashum, Proprietor of Hill Wild, as resource persons. The seminar aimed to provide insights into enhancing chilli production through improved agricultural techniques and sustainability measures.
The Sirarakhong Hathei Festival was sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC) through the Eastern Border Area Development Authority (EBADA), Manipur Horticulture & Soil Conservation, and the Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MoMA).
