Imphal: The Sirarakhong community of Manipur’s Ukhrul district has received the prestigious Plant Genome Saviour Community Award 2024–25 for conserving the rare Sirarakhong Hathei chilli for a century.
Presented by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), the national award includes a citation, a memento and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.
The funds are intended to support the community’s ongoing conservation and marketing initiatives for the indigenous chilli, which is prized for its distinct aroma, antioxidant content and health benefits.
Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, presented the award as the chief guest at the Authority’s 22nd Foundation Day celebration at the ICAR Convention Centre in New Delhi on November 12.
The recognition follows sustained institutional support from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ukhrul, along with guidance from the ICAR Research Complex for the NEH Region and ICAR-ATARI Zone VII in Umiam, Meghalaya.
Soibam Khogen Singh, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Ukhrul, attended the event as the community’s facilitator. He has led local training and hand-holding initiatives in recent years.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra, DARE Secretary and ICAR Director General Mangi Lal Jat, National Biodiversity Authority Chairperson Virendra R. Tiwari, PPVFRA Chairperson T. Mohapatra and PPVFRA Registrar General D.K. Agrawal.
An exhibition showcasing the community’s plant genetic resources and key products was also organised for visiting dignitaries.
According to P.A. Ramsem, Chief Technical Officer (Soil Science) at ICAR-KVK Ukhrul, the Sirarakhong community was among five farming groups across the country to receive the award for the 2024–25 cycle.
Meanwhile, Central Agricultural University (Imphal) Vice Chancellor Anupam Mishra congratulated the farmers and KVK officials on the achievement.
He also called for strengthening the local research network to address existing cultivation challenges and secure the future of the prized chilli variety.