Manipur’s Chilli farmers battle climate change and disease The resilience of Sirarakhong’s Hathei Chilli growers

Mingyashin Shaiza
Manipur, a State known for its fertile soil and rich agricultural traditions, has long supported its agrarian communities. However, in recent years, farmers especially those growing the renowned Sirarakhong Hathei (Chilli) have been facing new challenges. Unpredictable weather, excessive rainfall, and crop diseases are taking a heavy toll, threatening both their livelihoods and the continuation of traditional agricultural practices.
Sochingla Ramsan, a 65-year-old farmer from Sirarakhong village, has been cultivating the prized Sirarakhong Chilli for more than 30 years. Yet, the past six or seven years have been especially tough. A disease that causes plants to wither and chillies to rot has devastated her crops. “Once the Chilli is infected, the whole plant becomes burnt, and we can’t harvest anything,” she said. Despite planting 250 kilograms of Chilli seeds, she only harvested 150 kilograms this year, resulting in a loss of nearly Rs 2 lakh.
Sochingla's struggle mirrors that of many other farmers. Heavy, unrelenting rains have worsened the situation, flooding fields and causing root rot. Two weeks of nonstop rain this year wiped out her entire crop, leaving her with nothing to harvest. “There’s been more rain in recent years, and I think it’s the reason for the disease,” she added, pleading for expert advice.
Similarly, 70-year-old Huimila, who has been farming Chilli for 20 years, shared that while the disease has been present for about six years, this year has been the worst. She described three types of afflictions: Chillies drying up on the plant, roots rotting, and the Chillies themselves rotting and falling off. "This disease has hit our livelihoods hard," she lamented. Organic pesticides like neem oil are being used to combat the yellowing of leaves caused by the rain, but finding a lasting solution has been elusive.
Ningkhan Zimiknao, the village chairman, reflected on how farming practices have evolved. Traditionally, Chilli farming was closely tied to the villagers' cultural and religious practices. Before the planting season, the village Sharva (priest) would perform rituals to ensure a good harvest and protect crops from pests. Today, these rituals, though still observed, are supplemented by modern tech- niques like the use of poly houses, which help shield crops from the increasingly unpredictable weather.
In Sirarakhong, the cultivation of rice and Chilli has long reflected the community's deep connection to the land. Chilli, known locally as Sirarakhong Hathei, was not originally grown for commercial purposes but was a staple food, cherished for its flavor and value. Every bit was carefully preserved. "Even leftovers were wrapped in leaves and placed out of reach of chickens," said Zimik, underscoring the importance of the crop in daily life.
Traditionally, Chilli was planted alongside rice in a mixed-cropping system that maximized land use and maintained soil fertility. Rituals, such as those performed by the Sharva to keep birds away from the fields, played a vital role in ensuring a successful harvest. Only after the Sharva’s rituals could the villagers begin harvesting and drying their Chillies in a communal space called "Chang." These customs minimized waste and helped sustain the community.
However, today’s challenges, particularly the prolonged rain and new diseases, have forced farmers to adopt modern techniques like poly houses, early nursery preparation, and disease-resistant varieties. Despite these efforts, the relentless rains and fungal infections, such as anthracnose and wilting, identified by Dr Star Luikham, an Assistant Professor (plant pathology) FGI, CAS, Hengbung, have continued to decimate crops. Dr Luikham emphasized the importance of better land management and improved drainage systems to mitigate these issues, while also highlighting the need for sustainable agricultural practices.
Even with these difficulties, Sirarakhong’s farmers remain resilient. They are adapting by blending traditional knowledge with modern solutions. Ningkhan Zimiknao noted that with government support and guidance from experts, farmers are implementing practices like crop rotation and exploring organic methods to help combat climate-related challenges.
According to Asher Ramsan, Asher Ramsan, General Manager (Retd.) (Palynology) ONGC, Gol also an advisor to the Sirarakhong Hathei Phanit Committee, said that the village produces 25 tonnes of Chili each year, while current market demand exceeds 150 million tonnes. With the GI tag, Sirarakhong Chili is recognized as a product of immense value not only for the village but for Manipur and India as a whole. Ramsan believes that this unique Chili should be promoted on a global scale, with government support ensuring its cultivation remains 100% organic.
In this evolving landscape, Sirarakhong’s story is one of determination. Farmers are striving to preserve their heritage, protect their crops, and sustain their way of life in the face of changing climates and uncertain futures.
This research is done and article written under the Media fellowship by Directorate of Environment and Climate Change on the topic “Climate resilient land resource management in Manipur