MINISTER SHYAMKUMAR CLOSES VIII SIRARAKHONG HATHEI PHANIT

IMPHAL, SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 (DIPR): Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Shri Thounaojam Shyamkumar today closed the VIII Sirarakhong Hathei Phanit (Chilli Festival) organised by the Sirarakhong Shanao Long at the Shining Hall Ground near the Sirarakhong Baptist Church, Ukhrul. The Minister expressed his hope that from next year the festival will be organised with more hathei (chilli) production.

This year, more than 5,000 kilograms of hathei (chilli) production was recorded. All together 16 stalls were opened at the festival. Locally grown hathei (chilli) were sold at 12 stalls while four stalls sold organic King Chilli (U-morok) grown in Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Churachandpur.

Speaking as the Chief Guest of the closing function today, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Shri Thounaojam Shyamkumar said the chilli festival held annually in Sirarakhong, Ukhrul district shows that the villagers are hard working and believe in preserving the traditional culture.

Assuring the villagers of Sirarakhong that, the Horticulture and Soil Conservation will continue helping in organising the annual chilli festival, Th. Shyamkumar stressed on need the for planting food crops which suits the climate and soil condition so that farmers can boost their income.

He assured the villagers of Sirarakhong that the Horticulture Department will plan ways and methods to produce large scale production of hathei (chilli) so that it can be exported outside the State. Concluding his speech, Th. Shyamkumar hoped that the chilli festival will succeed to bridge the gap between all communities and bring peace and harmony in the State. On the last day today, all the hathei (chilli) were sold out.

The festival came to a close with Minister Shyamkumar de-hoisting the flag.