The Sirarakhong community of Ukhrul district has been conferred the Plant Genome Saviour Community Award 2024-25 by the Protection of Plant Varieties. and Farmers’ Rights Authority, recognising a century-long effort to conserve and promote the Sirarakhong Hathei chilli, a rare variety prized for its aroma and its antioxidant and health properties.
The award was presented at the Authority’s 22nd Foundation Day cum Award Function, held at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, NASC Complex, New Delhi on 12 November 2026. Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, handed over the award as Chief Guest in the presence of Sh. Atish Chandra, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Shri. Virendra R. Tiwari, Chairperson, National Biodiversity Authority, Dr T. Mohapatra, the Chairperson, PPVFRA; Dr. Dr. DK Agrawal, the Registrar General, PPVFRA; and the Commissioner, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, among other dignitaries from various departments and universities.
The honour places the community’s conservation work in Ukhrul on the national record, and turns attention to what happens next for the variety itself. The award is an outcome of the continuous support of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ukhrul with guidance and direction from both the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam and the ICAR Agricultural Technology Assessment and Research Institute, Zone VII, Umiam, Meghalaya. Dr. Soibam Khogen Singh, Senior Scientist cum Head of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ukhrul, under the ICAR RC NEH, Manipur Centre who has facilitated the community through training and hand-holding activities over the past few years also attended the award ceremony as facilitator. Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, congratulated the KVK and the farmers on their promotion efforts and advised strengthening the research network to address shortfalls in cultivation.
The award is conferred by the PPVFRA on farming communities for their contribution to the conservation of plant genetic resources. “A total of five community awards were given for the said year 2024-25. The award consisted of a citation, memento and cash award of Rs. 10 lakhs with a motive for strengthening the current activities of the community for conservation and marketing of the rare chilli species” informed Dr.P.A.Ramsem CTO (Soil Science), ICAR-KVK Ukhrul. An exhibition of the key products and plant genetic resources of the community was also presented before the guest for showcasing the achievements.
