Manipur Bunching Onion Officially Classified as New Variety

Imphal: Manipur’s indigenous bunching onion, Chiru Maroi, is officially a new variety. Scientists confirmed the classification after eight years of study. The Central Agricultural University and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research led the work. They published the findings in the journal Phytotaxa on September 8, 2026. The plant now carries the formal name Allium fistulosum var. Chiru Maroi.

Ps. Mariam Anal of the College of Agriculture in Iroisemba and Anil Khar from the ICAR-IARI Regional Station in Pune spearheaded the research. The Chiru tribe grows this onion in the Kangpokpi district villages of Bungte Chiru and Nungshai Chiru. Officials believe this documentation helps save local biodiversity.

The university is now chasing a Geographical Indication tag to protect the crop. They also want to secure a Genome Saviour Award for the Bungte Chiru farmers from the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority in New Delhi. According to CAU and ICAR, "the scientific documentation would contribute to the conservation of Manipur’s indigenous biodiversity." Future plans include commercializing the crop to boost incomes for local farmers.