Imphal: Manipur’s indigenous bunching onion, locally known as ‘Chiru Maroi’, has been scientifically documented as a novel variety following more than eight years of research by the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
The crop has been classified as Allium fistulosum var. Chiru Maroi, with the findings published in the international peer-reviewed journal Phytotaxa on September 8, 2026.
The research was led by Ps. Mariam Anal of the College of Agriculture, Iroisemba, and Anil Khar of the ICAR-IARI Regional Station in Pune.
The crop is traditionally cultivated by the Chiru tribal community in the Kangpokpi district villages of Bungte Chiru and Nungshai Chiru.
CAU and ICAR officials said the scientific documentation would contribute to the conservation of Manipur’s indigenous biodiversity.
CAU is currently pursuing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the crop to protect it and safeguard the traditional knowledge of its farmers. Efforts are also underway to secure a Genome Saviour Award from the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) in New Delhi for the Bungte Chiru farming community.
CAU also plans to introduce value-addition and commercialisation strategies aimed at improving livelihoods and generating economic benefits for local indigenous farmers.