Naga king chilli goes to international market for first time

Our Correspondent
Kohima, July 28 (EMN): The Naga king chilli, popularly known as ‘Raja Mircha’, from Nagaland made its way to London on Wednesday, as it was exported there for the first time after it received geographical indications (GI) tag in 2008.

A flag off programme for export of first consignment of the King chilli was virtually held.

Naga king chilli from the state was exported to London via Guwahati by air. It was sourced from Peren district, packed at Guwahati and exported by Kiege Exims, informed

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Established by the Government of India, APEDA is an apex body that promotes export trade of agricultural products in India.

‘Naga Mircha’ was the first product from Nagaland to have been registered with GI registry of Government of India during April 2008-March 2009 under the application number 109. It was followed by Naga tree tomato fruit during April 2014-March 2015, and Chakhesang Naga shawl in 2018.

Speaking at the ceremony, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Y Kikheto Sema said that the consignment of Naga king chilli reaching to the European/ international market is officially the first; a historical day for the farming community of the state.

‘The event will increase awareness of making connection and working with business. This journey will help many farmers to change their economy, even as the government is ready to help support and connect, so that they get the premium price in the international market,’ he said.

As far as Naga king chilli is concerned, it is preferred by many because of its aroma and flavour, he said while requesting APEDA to continue to support and help the people of the state and the Northeast.

He urged the people to imbibe three Cs: co-ordination, co-operation and confidence, to achieve the desired result.

The official informed that emphasise had been laid on few crops having a niche market such as Naga king chilli, pineapple, tree tomato, kiwi, bamboo shoot, Naga cucumber, passion fruit, and kholar (kidney beans).

‘Since there is no other avenues nor scope of large and medium scale industries in Nagaland, people should focus on Agri and Allied products which is having a niche market,’ Sema suggested.

The APC further informed that out of the Agri-Allied products, coffee was the first product from Nagaland to reach the international market in 2018. Presently, coffee plantation has covered about 10,000 hectares in the state and it is targeting to expand to 50,000 hectares by 2030.

Chief Executive Officer, Nagaland State Agriculture Marketing Board (NSAMB), G Inkuto Zhimomi said that the next consignment would depend on exporter’s demand.

The board would supply Naga king chilli as well as pineapple (in season) in the days to come. He added that the state govt. is fully aware of marketing problem in the state and have taken various initiatives to address them.

Director of APEDA, Tarun Bajaj, said that Naga King Chilli was exported to UK because of its quality. He thanked the farmers of the state and various governmental agencies for producing the ‘peculiar’ flavoured chilli. He expressed hope that other products from the Nagaland would be exported other parts of the world in the days to come.

Meanwhile, APEDA assured to increase exports of product from the NE region.