Kivihe H Zhimo with the Dimapur DHO and staff, alongside the record-setting Naga Mircha plant at his residence in Thilixu, Chümoukedima.
Eyes records in Asia Book of Records & Guinness World Records
Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 27
What began with three Naga Mircha saplings bought from a local market has grown into a record-setting achievement for Kivihe H Zhimo, whose 9.4-foot plant has been recognised by the India Book of Records as the ‘tallest Naga Mircha plant grown by an individual.’
The plant, grown at his home in Thilixu village, Chümoukedima, has been physically verified by the District Horticulture Office (DHO), Dimapur. It may be mentioned that Naga Mircha (Naga King Chilli) received the geographical indication (GI) tag in 2008.
Recounting how it all began, Zhimo, Chief Manager at Bank of Baroda, Dimapur, informed this newspaper that one of his staff members, after purchasing some items, had money left over and bought three Naga Mircha saplings from the local market before handing them to him.
His wife, who is posted in Kohima, planted the saplings, while Zhimo took care of them. One sapling died, but of the two that survived, one grew to an extraordinary height of 9.4 feet. The plant is around 10 months old, Zhimo said.
The DHO physically verified the plant on October 15. A certificate issued on October 22 identified it as a Naga Mircha plant (Capsicum chinense) and recorded its height at 9.4 feet.
The office stated that the verification was conducted to document the plant's existence, measurement and ownership. Geo-tagged photographs and a video recording were listed as supporting evidence. The District Horticulture Officer also collected a lump of soil from the site for study.
With the India Book of Records recognition secured on October 23, 2026, Zhimo has taken his record attempt to two other record-keeping organisations. The Asia Book of Records has acknowledged receipt of his application, assigned an application ID and stated that it would process the request and respond within seven working days.
Guinness World Records has also acknowledged his record enquiry. In an email, the organisation thanked Zhimo for the enquiry and said it was reviewing details before confirming further contact.
While it awaits a decision from the international record authorities, the unassuming 9.4-foot plant stands tall in Zhimo’s garden for now.
