Ukhrul: The 4th edition of Ukhrul Squash Festival cum Fete kickstarted on Tuesday at 35 AR Outpost, Tahao, Wino, Ukhrul. The festival features 20 stalls with 47 varieties of squash from Ukhrul Headquarters.
Chayote or squash boasts a nutrition profile that is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Squash from Ukhrul is considered to be of high nutritional value possessing the yummiest taste as compared to other places.
Deputy commissioner of Ukhrul, Kengoo Zuringla attended the function as chief guest. DFO of Ukhrul, Shanngam Shaliwo and DFO of Kamjong, Suisa SW were the guests of honour. Commandant of 35 Assam Rifles, Somsai, Col. Manoj Shinde and Director of UDWIM, Ringyuichon Vashum were the special guests of the day.
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Speaking at the occasion, DC of Ukhrul, Kengoo Zuringla stated that “squash is good for health and it is rich in fiber, vitamins and other minerals needed for the growth and well-being of our bodies. Most of us consume chayote in “champhut style” simple boils for consumption, but it can also be cooked in different styles. Let us also find a way to promote squash from Ukhrul and appeal to the SHG to undergo training for value addition.”
DFO Ukhrul, Shanngam Shaliwo recalled the school days where they longed for the chayote season to end. He stated “during our high school days in the boarding, when the squash season came, we were served with squash continuously in every meal. We all longed for the squash season to end. But during our college days, we longed to eat a chunk of Ukhrul chayote. Those were the days. When it comes to taste, none can compare to the squash from Ukhrul. Not only as a vegetable, but with innovative ideas, we can promote squash in different ways.”
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DFO of Kamjong, Suisa SW stated that “during squash season, 100% of the households of Tangkhul community enjoy the vegetables.” He appealed to the participating SHG to organise more such programmes by opening a squash day market in different spots at Ukhrul headquarters.
Director of UDWIM, Ringyuichon Vashum called for promotion of “Ukhrul Squash” through value addition, branding and marketing of the products. She stressed on the need for food processing and value additions on various agricultural products from Ukhrul district and emphasized that such skill – oriented practices will increase the farmers’ income and boost the local economy.
Convenor of the Squash Festival Organising Committee, Agnes Shaiza expressed immense gratitude to Commandant of 35 Assam Rifles for allowing them to use the ground and for the assistance in installation of the stalls.
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Performances by famed Tangkhul artists, Yursari Kasomwoshi and Manchung Shaiza added more colour to the celebration. Organised by Hunphun SHG Federation, a total of 20 self help group (SHG) under Hunphun SHG Federation are participating at the ongoing two-day festival that will wind up on 27 October 2023.
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