Mokokchung Times News
Mokokchung | February 7
Yongchak, scientifically known as Parkia speciosa, could be a potential economic doorway if facilitated with the right support.
A favorite among many locals, trading Yongchak have now become a well-developed local business among vendors living in and around Mokokchung town. The vendors, estimated to be about thirty of them, accounted that they purchase the ‘Yongchak’ beans from various cultivators residing in different parts of Mokokchung after which they sell it off to various wholesale buyers in the market in bulk, including some from Manipur.
A lady vendor explained that her Yongchak export to Manipur was successful as it is a staple there, often consumed as a salad mixed with fermented fish or, the boiled or roasted seeds eaten along with a mash of boiled vegetables laced with fermented fish.
“The Yongchak matures faster in Mokokchung, as compared to Manipur,” she added, while explaining how their prices fluctuate depending upon the season.
The cost of the Yongchak is reportedly said to be the costliest in the months of September and October costing about Rs. 8 or 9 per pod, followed by Rs. 5 or 6 in the month of December. February is normally considered the peak season where the market price falls to as low as Rs.3 per pod.
On the logistics involved in the export, she said that she currently pays a private vehicle at the range of about 15,000 rupees which she expected could be raised soon.
“It is a profitable business,” said a vendor who has been engaged in this business for about four years. “The only risk involved in this business so far is climbing up the trees to collect the beans.”
Bitter beans are not native to Mokokchung but have now become naturalized with many farmers cultivating it as a cash crop. Most locals here have developed a palatable taste for Yongchak and are consumed in almost all households, most commonly as chutney and pickles.
Yongchak pods loaded in a van to be exported to Manipur (MTNews Photo)
