Ukhrul: Feb 7: The 21st edition of Kachai Lemon Festival 2025 kickstarted on Friday at Kachai Village. Celebrated under the theme “Zest For Life: Embracing Lemons’ Health Benefits.” The festival is organized by Kachai Fruit Farming & Processing Cooperative Society Limited (KFF & PCS Limited) and sponsored by North Eastern Council, Shillong, Ministry of DoNER, Government of India in collaboration with Eastern Border Area Development Authority (EBADA), MIDH, MOMA Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Tourism, Cooperation Department, MACS, ICAR, KVK Ukhrul and District Administration of Ukhrul.
Must read | The Absence of Consumer Protection in Ukhrul District: A Lamentable Setback
Chief Guest, Thaithuilung Pamei (IAS) in his speech stated “The government of Manipur has instructed our department to construct 75 metric tons capacity “Cold Storage” in this village. Site inspection will be carried out soon to benefit the farmers of the neighboring villages. There is also a pipeline for selected youths of Kachai for exposure trips to various parts of the world annually.” He also informed that NEC has sanctioned Rs. 7 Lakh for organizing the 21st edition of the Kachai Lemon Festival 2025.
Dr. Solei Luiram, Scientist KVK-Ukhrul, while declaring the result, stated that “This year, the harvest is poor as compared to last year. The content of juice and color is also less compared to the previous year. But I tell you, don’t lose hope, next year it will be more bountiful and juicier.”
The Best Kachai Lemon awards were given to Naomi L Vashum, RS. Kanmila and Ruimila Kashung.
Also read | Manipur Assembly Speaker Reserves Verdict on 5 JD(U) MLAs’ Defection Case
The inaugural program was attended by Thaithuilung Pamei (IAS), Commissioner of Horticulture & Soil Conservation and Member Secretary (EBADA & BRVDB), Government of Manipur as Chief Guest. Yeite Khupsorel Koireng, Joint Director Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur as Functional President. Ngamreiwung Luithui (MCS), SDO of LM Block, Roland Ningshen (MCS), SDO of Chingai Block and Dr. Roshan Dangmei.
A total of 77 lemon stalls were opened during the festival by the lemon farmers from Kachai. “The yield of lemon goes up and down. However, the farmers have been persistently cultivating lemon by the hard-working farmers” stated RK. Mayasang, Chairman KFF & PCS Limited.
The festival will wind up on 8 February 2025. Visitors could be seen buying fresh and juicy lemon from the stall. Welcome song by Alpha Friendship School and Thotchan Baptist English School and vibrance cultural dance display by L. Phungdhar Katamnao Long & Youth Society added more color to the celebration.
Also read | National People’s Party leadership reshuffled in Manipur
