The allure of Manipur’s aromatic black rice, known as ‘Chak-hao,’ continues to captivate consumers, with demand surging steadily. In a recent development, Manipur dispatched a consignment of 5 metric tonnes (MT) of the prized black rice to Kerala, marking another milestone in its burgeoning popularity. The consignment, orchestrated by Freshiesfresh and Nahakpam Food and Beverages at Chingmeirong, received a ceremonial send-off from the Agriculture Department and Economic and Resource Development Organisation (ERDO) en route to Kerala. Encouragingly, plans are underway to export a substantial 20 MT of Chak-hao to Europe in the near future, reflecting the global appeal of this indigenous delicacy.
Nahakpam Shanta, Secretary of ERDO and a prominent entrepreneur, hailed the collaborative efforts of ERDO, Sangailand Farmers Producer Company, and Imphal West Farmers Producer Company in facilitating successful exports of Chak-hao to various states. With this year’s crop boasting exceptional quality, Shanta expressed optimism about fetching lucrative prices in both domestic and international markets, underscoring ERDO’s role in bolstering the income of Chak-hao cultivators.
Dr. Kh Nimaichand, Project Officer of the Agriculture Department’s Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER), emphasized the need for farmers to uphold quality standards in Chak-hao cultivation. With Manipur witnessing a favorable market for Chak-hao, Dr. Nimaichand underscored the potential for farmers to significantly enhance their revenue through its cultivation.
The cultivation of Chak-hao has been actively encouraged in Manipur, with the cultivation area expanding by approximately 900 Paris (local unit), as highlighted by ERDO president Takhellambam Sanajaoba. The Economic and Resource Development Organisation, dedicated to improving farmers’ economic prospects, has spearheaded initiatives not only for Chak-hao but also for cultivating other crops like ginger, turmeric, and potatoes, further diversifying agricultural pursuits in the region.