Yongchak bundled up for sale.
Chizokho Vero
Khuza | March 13
Yongchak (tree bean), the value of which was less known by the villagers in the past, is now being cultivated on large scale for commercial purpose in many parts of Nagaland.
Khuza village, located 20 km away from Phek Town, is one of the many villages in Nagaland which has registered large scale Yongchak cultivation.
Chekhüsa from Khuza told The Morung Express that the villagers were ignorant about the bean earlier, but after realizing its value and huge demand in the market, many farmers are now opting to plant Yongchak as cash crop for alternative income source.
“Yongchak plantation is somewhat like a future investment,” he said, adding that it will go a long way in boosting the economy of the rural populace. Chekhüsa, who himself undertakes large scale plantation of the bean at Khuza village affirmed that Yongchak cultivation is suitable here. Almost all the villagers grow Yongchak, he said, adding that Yongchak trees are now found in every household’s kitchen garden besides many of the villagers taking up the plantation on large scale. He said the villagers have started reaping positive result as earnings from the Yongchak sale support their children’s education and meet other daily requirements.
On being asked whether the villagers are getting any support from the government on Yongchak plantation, he said they are yet to approach the government. But, he wished that the agri & allied departments will undertake a comprehensive survey on the prospect of large scale plantation in the village and assist the villagers for a sustainable livelihood through Yongchak.
Maintaining that climatic condition is viable for the bean here, Chekhüsa wanted to see that Khuza is declared as “Yongchak Village” one day.
Presently, the village produces 4 to 7 mini truck load of Yongchak every season and mostly export to neighboring state Manipur.
