World's hottest chilli becomes a profitable business for farmers in Manipur

It is widely known as 'Bhut jolokia' in Assam, 'Raja mirchi' in Nagaland and 'U-morok' in Manipur – the world's hottest chilli grown in different parts of the northeast has become a hot business for the locals in Manipur.

Yambem Ibohanbi Singh, a progressive farmer in Manipur who has been growing U-morok, the world's hottest chilly, has set up M/S Global Vegetables at Nungoi Awang Leikai in Imphal east in 2012cand starts producing saplings to supply it to local farmers. He prepares over 10,000 saplings at his farm and earns over Rs. 1 lakh rupees during the season. 

Yambem also produce the chilli and send it in the market. "Nowadays, the price of U-Marok is very high. For Rs 20 you will get only 4-5 pieces of the chilli. Being a farmer, I am planning to supply it directly to market at a cheaper rate," he said.

U-Marok is mainly used for curries, pickles and chutney. This chilli is also cultivated in parts of Assam, Nagaland and particularly in the hilly areas of the region.

Many traders in cities across Manipur, Assam and Nagaland are exporting the processed chilli. "There is a lot of demand for U-Marok among Meitei people everywhere. I have been selling U-Marok for 20 years. I don't sell other variety but only U-Marok and bamboo shoot," said Shangkai, a trader.

As climatic conditions in the northeast suits to grow chilli, efforts are on to encourage more farmers to take on chilli cultivation and earn good profits.