Our Correspondent
Moirangkampu, Jan. 11 (EMN): A three-day, “Maroi Nakuppi Kumei”, an annual festival of local chives got underway at the Moirangkampu Sajeb village located about 10 km east of Imphal on friday.
The festival is being organised by the Progressive Farmers Foundation (PFF).
Co-convenor Soubam Surjit of the organising committee said Moirangkampu Sajeb Moirangkampu, Angom Leikai, Kangla Sagomsang, and Kangla Siphai villages in Imphal east district have been supplying chives in Imphal market round the year.
The villagers are engaged in ‘Maroi Nakuppi’ cultivation since the last 17 years and produced a minimum of two pick-up truck loads daily which helps in improving local economy in a big way, he said.
The festival was inaugurated by Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Th Shyamkumar.
The minister in his address lauded the initiative taken up by organising committee to spread awareness about the importance of ‘maroi nakuppi’ to the local people as the plant is considered to be a favourite ingredient for many Manipuri cuisines.
He assured to provided infrastructures for setting up two green houses apart from establishing a small collection centre at the village.
Later, the minister along with MLA L Susindro inspected the stalls set up at the venue.