Manipur gets new variety of favourite Yongchak

IMPHAL, OCTOBER 14: Manipur based Kwaklei & Khonggunmelei Orchids Private Ltd, a leading manufacturer and supplier of hybrid orchids has successfully bred seeds of what is being called a new variety of Manipur’s favourite delicacy Yongchak (bitter bean). Often consumed with spicy paste or curry, the new variety is said to flower in summer unlike the normal variety which blooms only in winter.
“We tried tissue culture techniques and other scientific methods after collecting the pods of the new variety (Parkia speciosa) which were brought by those who visited Thailand,” says Managing Director RK Kishor of the company.
“Finally we’ve succeeded in establishing its seedling after three years long research work in the laboratory.”
The pods of the Parkia speciosa which were used for laboratory examinations were brought by those who visited Thailand. Parkia speciosa is said to be native to Indonesia, Malayasia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Parkia, one of the largest genera of the chiropterophilous plants, has as many as 35 recognised species across the world. 12 species are distributed across India to Fiji.
The popular Yongchak tree (Parkia timoriana) which grows in Manipur and its neighbouring areas has a short flowering period (December to mid-January) while the new variety (Parkia speciosa) which has a long flowering period (April-October) blooms twice a year.
Some five years ago, most of the Yongchak trees reportedly dried up in many parts of the state due to insects and change in climatic condictions. As a result, traders have had to bring Yongchak from neighblouring Myanmar in bulk for business in Imphal during festive seasons.
Yongchak Eromba, prepared with fermented fish, is one of the most delicious and sought-after dishes in Manipur during winter. Thus Yongchak was once sold at an average of Rs 30-50 per piece during traditional festivals such as Ningol Chakkouba which falls in the month of November.
Informing that interested individuals can get the seedling of the new Yongchak variety from their Imphal office, the former orchid specialist of the IUCN and resident of Sagolband Bijoygobinda in Imphal said “Now with the success of nursery establishment of this summer variety, I believe there will be no dearth of this delicacy throughout the year besides ensuring protein security for the economically backward population in the region.”