CAU and ICAR have scientifically identified Manipur’s indigenous ‘Chiru Maroi’ as a novel variety, opening avenues for GI recognition and conservation.
Imphal, Sept. 15: Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has scientifically identified Manipur’s indigenous bunching onion, locally known as ‘Chiru Maroi’, after more than eight years of research.
The crop has been identified as Allium fistulosum var. Chiru maroi and the research findings were published in the internationally recognised journal Phytotaxa on September 8, 2026, according to CAU.
The research was carried out by Dr Ps. Mariam Anal, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at the College of Agriculture, Iroisemba, Imphal, along with an ICAR team led by Dr Anil Khar, Principal Scientist and Head of the ICAR-IARI Regional Station, Pune.
‘Chiru Maroi’ is traditionally cultivated by the Chiru tribal farming community in Bungte Chiru and Nungshai Chiru villages of Kangpokpi district. Its scientific documentation provides formal recognition to a crop associated with the traditional agricultural practices and knowledge of the community.
CAU said the identification marks a step towards the scientific recognition, conservation and promotion of Manipur’s indigenous agricultural biodiversity.
The university is exploring the process of obtaining a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for ‘Chiru Maroi’. Such recognition would provide legal protection and wider recognition to the crop and the traditional farming community associated with its cultivation.
Efforts are also being pursued for a Genome Award from the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), New Delhi, for the farming community of Bungte Chiru. The initiative is aimed at recognising and protecting the traditional knowledge associated with the crop.
CAU also plans to explore value addition, promotion and commercialisation of ‘Chiru Maroi’ in the future. According to the university, these efforts could create opportunities for improved livelihood and economic benefits for the indigenous farming community.
The university said the research represents an effort to combine modern scientific methods with indigenous knowledge for the conservation and sustainable use of the agricultural heritage of Northeast India.
