CM inaugurates different projects as curtains drawn on 17th Orange Festival
Biren moots tissue culture of Tamenglong organge
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, December 19 2022: Chief Minister N Biren Singh today inaugurated a number of development projects in Tamenglong district while attending the closing ceremony of the 17th State Level Tamenglong Orange Festival at Apollo Ground, Tamenglong district headquarters.

The festival began on December 17 and was held at different venues of the district.

The projects inaugurated today are Development and Promotion of Eco-tourism Centres at Zeilad Lake and Tharon Cave under Hill Area Development Programme (HADP), establishment of Cold Storage Chain at Tamenglong under HADP, construction of Water Supply Scheme at Tamah, Tamei under HADP and Indoor Stadium cum Multipurpose Hall at Tamenglong district headquarters.

CM inaugurates different projects as curtains drawn on 17th Orange Festival

Speaking as the chief guest of the closing function, the Chief Minister elaborated on the reason behind organizing the festival and increasing prize money for the orange growers' competition.

The State Government wants to make Tamenglong an orange producing district because the orange variety grown in the district is suitable to the soil of the district, he said highlighting the unique taste of the orange.

The increased prize money will encourage locals to take up orange farming and make themselves economically viable and self-reliant, which will eventually improve the local economy, he added.

N Biren also spoke on the need for tissue culture of Tamenglong Oranges to ensure that the local orange doesn't get mixed with other varieties and that it doesn't lose its taste or uniqueness.

Highlighting that the State has started exporting products like black rice, pineapple among other items, he said oranges can also be exported if there is surplus production.

The cold storages inaugurated today will help farmers in storing their produces, the Chief Minister said, assuring that the Government is always there for the people.

Biren stressed that Tamenglong is moving towards development, citing various development projects like eco-tourism centres at Thanlon Caves, Zeilad Lake, among others.

In today's modern world, tourism is the best option for places like Manipur and Tamenglong to improve the economy, he continued deliberating on the need to develop and promote tourist spots in the State.

Reiterating his earlier assurance to the people of the district, the Chief Minister said the Government is making Tamenglong one of the most developed districts of the State and further highlighted development works undertaken in the district including the construction of a water supply scheme, ongoing work on an amusement park near Barak River.

He said, "We have also proposed the Centre for development of a tourist centre at Bunning" .

The Chief Minister also appealed to the people against creating disturbances to development projects.

Stressing on the importance of communication, the Chief Minister spoke on the works taken up on the Khongsang-Tamenglong road, Imphal-Kangchup-Tamenglong road and construction of another helipad at Tamenglong.

Stating that the Government had lost at least two years and a half in the last term due to the Covid pandemic and another 5-6 months due to rains during the present term, the Chief Minister said that the Government had just around 3 years of working season.

He continued that with the support and cooperation of the public, the Government is able to bring development to the State.

Biren also encouraged the youth to take up Thang-ta stating that it teaches discipline and will keep them healthy.

The closing function was also attended by Ministers Awangbow Newmai, Dr Sapam Ranjan, L Susindro Meitei, Kashim Vashum, Chairman, Hill Areas Committee Dinganglung Gangmei, Chairperson, Manipur Development Society Paonam Brojen, MLA of Tamenglong AC Janghemlung Panmei, MLA of Singnat AC Chinlunthang, MLA of Karong AC J Kumo Sha, MLA of Phungyar AC K Leishiyo, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Dr AK Joshi, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Noney Joseph Pauline and DC, Tamenglong Pawan Yadav.

The Chief Minister along with the other dignitaries also inspected the stalls opened at the festival venue.

During the programme, a 500 strong team of the RBCC women choir group presented a song.

Other highlights included beating of the traditional gong 17 times by the dignitaries led by the Chief Minister to commemorate the 17th edition of the festival, playing of the festival song, performances by traditional dance groups and Thang-ta performance.

Altogether 270 orange farmers participated in the festival.

Every orange farmer must bring a minimum 1000 oranges to participate in the festival.

Gainiliu of Sibilong village, Tousem sub-division was adjudged the winner of the orange competition, Tanimliu Kamei of Sibilong village, Tousem Sub division won second position and Gaikhammei of Changdai village, Tamenglong won the third prize.

Cash prizes were awarded to the winners of the competition i.e; Rs.2 lakh to the first, the second with Rs 1 lakh and the third with Rs 75,000 .