Ukhrul, Mar 12: In a major step toward preserving and processing Manipur’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged fruits, Kachai Lemon and Tamenglong Orange, the Fruit Preservation Factory at Nilakuthi, the Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Manipur, and the ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI), Nagpur have signed a Memorandum of Technology Licence Agreement. The agreement was formalised on Wednesday at the Farmers’ Training Hall, Agriculture Department, Sanjenthong, in the presence of Horticulture & Soil Conservation Commissioner T. Pamei. It was officially signed by Agriculture Director K. Debadutta Sharma and ICAR-CCRI Nagpur Director Dr. Dilip Ghosh.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Dilip Ghosh announced that ICAR-CCRI Nagpur will provide cutting-edge technology for producing energy drinks and gummy fruit using Kachai Lemon and Tamenglong Orange. He emphasised that value addition techniques will be introduced to enhance the quality, shelf life, and economic potential of these fruits. Dr. Ghosh also revealed that the institute is in the final stages of research on oil extraction from Heiribob (wild orange) under the leadership of Principal Scientist Dr. S.S. Roy. He stated that 80% of the research has been completed, and once standardised, this technology will enable the natural flavour of Heiribob to be preserved and enjoyed throughout the year.
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Additionally, Dr. Ghosh pointed out that Manipur faces major storage and preservation challenges, leading to the wastage of large quantities of citrus fruits. He highlighted the importance of advanced processing methods, ensuring that every part of the fruit, from seeds to peels, is utilised to create valuable by-products.
Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department Director K. Debadutta Sharma revealed that around 40% of Manipur’s fruits and crops go to waste post-harvest due to the lack of proper preservation and processing facilities. He emphasised that the License Agreement with ICAR-CCRI Nagpur is part of the state government’s continued efforts to minimise wastage and improve value addition in the agriculture and horticulture sectors. K. Debadutta Sharma also highlighted the need for strengthening quality chain processing, quality management, branding, and marketing to promote sustainable growth in Manipur’s agricultural sector.
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Meanwhile, Horticulture & Soil Conservation Commissioner and Secretary T. Pamei raised concerns over the declining production of Kachai Lemon and Tamenglong Orange, which were once grown in abundance across Manipur. He emphasised that the newly signed agreement would help young entrepreneurs and farmers while contributing positively to the state’s economy. Pamei stressed that the initiative aims to create better preservation, processing, and marketing opportunities for Manipur’s GI-tagged fruits. This will not only ensure sustainable agricultural growth but also increase profitability for farmers, thereby strengthening the economic backbone of the state.
ICAR Manipur Centre Head Dr. C. Basudha, ICAR-CCRI Nagpur Principal Scientist Dr. Subhra Saikat Roy, Senior Scientist Dr. Naresh Meshram, and NABARD officials were present at the signing event.
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