Ukhrul, August 29 — The 13th Sirarakhong Hathei Phanit, a colourful indigenous chilli festival, commenced with great cultural enthusiasm at the village public ground on August 29.
The inaugural ceremony was attended Khashim Vashum, the Minister of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry and Transport, as chief guest alongside Ukhrul District Commissioner Zuringla Kengoo, who was the guest of honor.
Minister Vashum hoisted the festival flag, marking the start of the two-day celebrations being held under the theme 'Whoever offers praise glorifies Me'.
During his address, Minister Khashim Vashum urged the local farmers of Sirarakhong Hathei to adhere to the traditional farming practices passed down through generations. He emphasized the importance of cultivating crops without relying on artificial fertilizers such as urea. He encouraged the villagers to prioritize the production of pure, organic Hathei and to refrain from unethical practices in its cultivation.
He also recognized the pivotal role of local women in initiating the Hathei Phanit and called on the village to acknowledge and support their contributions in the cultivation and promotion of Sirarakhong Hathei.
Reflecting Minister Vashum's concerns, District Commissioner Zuringla Kengoo voiced her concerns over the unethical use of urea in some farmers’ Hathei cultivation, noting that the presence of these artificial chemicals could easily be detected through lab testing.
She urged local farmers to abandon chemical usage and focus on cultivating natural Hathei, highlighting its unique significance to Sirarakhong village. "Hathei is a rare gift for our community; we cannot afford to destroy it. If nurtured properly, it will provide us with bountiful support in return," she stated.
On the day, Minister Khashim, accompanied by Kengoo, inaugurated and toured the Hathei stalls, which were set up by nine local self-help groups showcasing their Hathei produce.

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