NEW DELHI: The Sirarakhong community of Manipur’s Ukhrul district has received the prestigious Plant Genome Saviour Community Award 2024–25 for its century-long efforts to conserve and promote the rare Sirarakhong Hathei chilli.

The award was conferred by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA) in recognition of the community’s contribution to preserving the unique chilli variety, which is known for its distinctive aroma and antioxidant properties.

The award was presented during the Authority’s 22nd Foundation Day and Award Function at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, NASC Complex, New Delhi. Dr Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, presented the award as the Chief Guest.

Several senior officials and dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Atish Chandra, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Dr Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR; Virendra R Tiwari, Chairperson of the National Biodiversity Authority; and Dr T Mohapatra, Chairperson of PPVFRA.

The achievement was made possible through the continuous support of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ukhrul, with guidance from the ICAR Research Complex for the NEH Region, Umiam, and ICAR Agricultural Technology Assessment and Research Institute, Zone VII, Umiam, Meghalaya.

Dr Soibam Khogen Singh, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, Ukhrul, who facilitated the community through training and support activities over the past few years, also attended the ceremony.

Congratulating the KVK and the farmers, Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal, called for strengthening the research network to address challenges in chilli cultivation.

The Plant Genome Saviour Community Award recognises farming communities for their efforts to conserve plant genetic resources. Five communities received the award for 2024–25.

The award comprises a citation, a memento and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh. The financial assistance is aimed at strengthening the community’s ongoing conservation efforts and improving the marketing of the rare chilli variety.

An exhibition showcasing the community’s key products and plant genetic resources was also organised at the event, highlighting its achievements in conserving the traditional chilli variety.