Watermelon Fest ends
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 19 2014:
The 3rd State Level Watermelon Festival organized by Nahakpam Foundation from June 13 concluded today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound here where prizes were distributed among the winners of the competition held.
The valedictory function was attended by Md Abdul Nasir, Agriculture Minister as Chief Guest and S Sumati, secretary of All Manipur Guardians' Association as President, while Dr Chinglen Meisnam, Prof, Dept of Economics, Manipur University; N Chaoba, retd ZEO; Y Jotin, chairman of Kanglei Development Society and Sanjoy, assistant teacher of Standard Roberth School, Canchipur were also present as Guests of Honor.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Nasir observed that the State will be self-sufficient once the human resource is developed, just as China has proved in the past with the commitment that the country should rely on itself for all required agricultural products by putting concerted efforts.
He said that unemployed youths in the State should look for self-employment without awaiting help from the government as this will set a good example to the generations to come.
Secretary of Nahakpam Foundation, Shanta who also spoke on the occasion, noted that the quantity of watermelon imported from outside has now decreased because of the hard efforts put in by local farmers and added that the festival was organized with the objective to enhance the production of watermelon in the State.
Oinam Kunjabihari of Thoubal Tokpam Ching won the first prize for most watermelon producing farmer while Mayengbam Shyamchandra of Naodakhong Chingkham Leikai and Arambam Khoirengbam Meitei, Maklang bagged second and third prize respectively.
All of them were rewarded with cash prizes and certificates.