Shyamkumar kicks off 1st Manipur Kiwi fruit festival at Purul
inaugurates rural market shed
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Senapati, November 24 2018: Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar today inaugurated the 1st Manipur Kiwifruit Festival held under the theme 'Kiwifruit for Rural Prosperity and Healthy Living' at Purul Akutpa village, Senapati district.

The festival will conclude tomorrow at the Purul Akutpa village which is located around 105 kms from Imphal.

The two days Kiwifruit Festival was organised by Senapati Producers' Organisation of Organic Kiwifruit (SPOOK) and jointly supported by Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) under the aegis of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, Government of Manipur and ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, Imphal.

Minister Shyamkumar also inaugurated a rural market shed constructed under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme (2017-2018) under the aegis of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, Government of Manipur.

1st Manipur Kiwifruit Festival at Purul

Speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural function of the festival held at Rasha Hall, Minister Shyamkumar assured to the villagers of Purul that an assistance of Rs 20 lakh will be given for the construction of a water body, construction of drain and other requirements in the village.

He made the assurance after villagers submitted a memorandum to the Minister regarding the requirement for a water reservoir for the village.

He said that the Kiwifruit Festival will give an opportunity and a platform to the farmers to cultivate more kiwi and work harder to increase the production.

Appealing to all the stakeholders, he said all must come forward to cooperate and support the farmers.

He also observed that with the advent of the festival, the people of the State will get awareness regarding the health benefits of kiwi consumption.

Noting that the pisciculture is practiced widely in Purul and adjoining areas, he said he will contact the concerned department so that the villagers can get more help from the department concerned.

He also assured that various possible programmes will be discussed with the officers of Forest Department and Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department so that it can be implemented in Purul in the near future.

Stating that all possible help will be given to the villagers, Minister Shyamkumar appealed to the villagers to gradually stop practicing the jhum cultivation.

He further appealed to the villagers to come forward in conserving and protecting the environment and the wildlife while stating that human beings cannot live without them.

He further said the 'Go to Village' Mission under the initiative of the State Government led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh has given an opportunity to visit and interact with the villagers at the ground level.

He hoped that personal visit of the leaders at the ground level will bring the public and Government closer and help in the development process of the State.

Speaking on the inaugural function of the rural market shed, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Th Shyamkumar expressed the market will ease the problems of locals.

He said the vegetables, fruits and other produces grown locally and in the adjoining areas can be sold at the rural market shed.

As part of the function, a souvenir titled ' 1 st Manipur Kiwifruit Festival' was released.

Various cultural and entertainment programmes enthralled the crowd and dignitaries.

Some of the highlights of the festival are kiwifruit competition, awareness programme, buyer-seller meet and cultural events.