Senapati, November 22: This Christmas and the long winter, people of Manipur will miss a favourite item in their recipe if they are not willing to part away with a large sum to procure Yongchak or Bhandar Shim (in Nagamese).

Yongchak trees grown at the Koubru range of Senapati district in Manipur from Kanglatongbi to Kangpokpi - are dying enmasse.

This area is one of the highest producers of the greatly relished Yongchak.

Yongchak is a favourite dish amongst the people of Manipur and Nagaland.

It is used in salads, chutney etc.

It has a special taste and is also known for its medicinal value as it has high fibre contents.

The withering of the tree has been reported weeks ago and about 10,000 such trees have reportedly dried up till now.

According to locals, the withering of these trees will lead to a heavy loss to the growers and added that it was the only source of income for many families to meet the expenses of Christmas, New Year and children�s admission to schools.

It is said that a big tree can yield Yongchak worth Rs 5,000 and above.

The trees started withering after an unknown species of larva, similar to caterpillars, were found inside the tree trunks.

It measures about two inches and is greyish in colour.

It first attacks the bark before entering the core of the tree.

After the host tree is dead, and the larva acquires wings and matures, it goes to other trees.

Local people said that the insect multiply very fast and can kill a big Yonghcak tree within a few days.

About 10,000 such trees have withered in the area where each household grows about 5 to 10 such trees.

Young and immature Yongchaks are now being plucked and sold in the Senapati market fearing the epidemics may also spread to other areas.

Many fear that the cultivators especially the poorer section, depending on this tree for their winter income, will be greatly affected.

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