Festival showcases State's pineapple riches
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 03 2011:
The 4th State Level Pineapple Festival, 2011 was held under the aegis of Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee at Khuman Lampak complex here today.
In all 65 stalls participated in the festival displaying a rich variety of Pineapple and its products.
The inaugural function of the festival was attended by Horticulture & Soil Conservation Minister Phungzathang Tonsing as chief guest, MPCC president Gaikhangam as functional president and Chief Advisor of Festival Committee and MLA T Mangibabu and Committee Advisor MLA Manga Vaiphei as guests of honour.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister Phungzathang Tonsing observed that organising such festivals would not only help in inculcating work culture among the people but also in bringing about peace and unity in the State.
Noting that the soil of Manipur is very suitable for cultivation of various fruits, the Minister expressed confidence that the economic condition of the State could be made better just from cultivation of Pineapple, Orange and Lemon alone.
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Cultivation of these fruits can be taken up even if one does not have a large field but the income generated from it can manage the family very easily, the Minister added.
In his presidential address, MPCC president Gaikhangam observed that it is through sports and culture that Manipur is known to the outside world.
However, inspite of rich culture and sporting prowess, people in Manipur lack work culture, thereby giving a serious impact on the economy of the State.
Nonetheless, organising festivals to showcase various products like Pineapple, Orange, Lemon or Chilli, which have come into vogue of late, is a pointer to the fact that the people in Manipur have started imbibing work culture and they have started realising that without production, the economic status of the State can not be improved, Gaikhangam said.
Coming together of people belonging to different communities in such festivals is a good sign and it would help in spreading the message of love and unity, Gaikhangam said.
In the evening session of the festival, the stage came alive to the Pineapple Queen Contest.