'Start the process for GI tag registration of Talui garlic/Shurikaso'

Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul,  Apr 20: The VIII edition District Level Shurikaso Phanat / Garlic Festival cum Sale was inaugurated by Ringyuichon Vashum director of Ukhrul District Women Institute of Micro-credit (UDWIM) which was  organised by Kharngarum SHG of Talui village.
Speaking at the inaugural function,  Ringyuichon expressed the need to preserve the indigenous crops that are found in the district.
She urged the Talui villagers to start the process for Geographical Indication (GI) tag registration  for Talui garlic (Shurikaso) for its special taste and its unique features, so as to preserve it as one of the immovable assets of the State.
Ringyuichon  who is a native of Talui village stated that Talui garlic have superior  taste as compared with the garlic available in the market and it can be preserved for long period without losing its qualities ( taste and size).
She mentioned that Talui Shuri have high demand in the State market and in the neighbouring states because of its peculiar taste.
She urged Talui farmers for intensive cultivation and to meet the demand of the consumers and make it available throughout the season to maintain the regular supply in the market
Celebration merely for namesake  would not provide sustainable income and every household must grow garlic in their farms, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, the headmen S Akhai said the Garlic Festival was first celebrated in 2010 as garlic fair in local level and was later upgraded to district level.
The villagers must work unitedly for further  upgradation to the State level,  provided the village farmers must have potential to produce Shurikaso  in large scale, he stated.
According to the reports of Talui village,  more than 10,000 kgs of garlic were arranged  for sale during the festival however there was low public participation due to surging Covid cases  in the State.
The second day of the festival was reserved for training programme for the garlic growers.