IMPHAL,Sept 6 � The authorities, including the state horticulture authority, have assured that the departments concerned will take up all necessary steps to promote chilli cultivation in Manipur.
The assurance was made by many speakers during the formal inauguration of the 4th �Hathei Phanit� (Chilli Festival) held in Sirarakhong village in Ukhrul district.
The festival has been organised with a view to promoting a variety of chillis grown in the village, which is known for its taste and look, according to Sirarakhong Shanao Long (SSL), a women�s group of the village located around 60 km north of Imphal close to the road connecting Mahadeva and Pfuzero via Tolloi under Ukhrul district.
It is said that the cultivation of a particular chilli variety found in the village has been going on for ages and the villagers are carrying on with the practice, reaping rich dividends year after year.
Unfortunately, a major chunk of the production could not reach the markets here due to the deplorable road conditions. In such a situation, the chillis produced in Sirarakhong village are taken to the neighbouring Nagaland and other states, including Assam, where there is great demand for this variety of chilli.
The SSL has been organising the Chilli Festival since 2010, taking up the responsibility of promoting this chilli variety.
Many people who understand the quality of the chilli variety turned up from different parts of the state to buy the chilli and the products made from it.
The festival is scheduled to continue till tomorrow.