1st Manipur National Horti Expo kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 11 2015 :
The 1st Manipur National Horti Expo 2015 organised by the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation and ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre has kicked off today at Hatta Kangjeibung.
The two-day workshop cum exhibition and buyer-seller meet was organised with the objectives of creating increase awareness amongst various stakeholders in need of skill development in various domains of horticulture/agriculture, provide an opportunity to have a direct interface with producers of the State and to showcase horticulture and food processing and strengthen its market linkages.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi expressed hope that the event will provide an opportunity to take stock of the potential and prospects in horticulture sector in the region.
The State is endowed with natural resources particularly in the hilly areas for the development of horticulture crops which can provide quality products as well as provide a source of employment to the farmers, the Chief Minister added.
Highlighting the rich products of the State, the Chief Minister said, "This event will give the visitors the taste of oranges from Tamenglong, passion fruits from Senapati and Churachandpur, mesmerising beauty of Siroi and Dzuko lilies of Ukhrul and Senapati.
One of the lemon species available at Kachai village known as Kachai Lemon has earned a GIS patent in the world recently.
To put it in brief, Manipur is gifted with numerous resources which has its own significant identity" .
The Chief Minister further said that the event will pave the way for the State to grow in terms of financial capital, technological advancement and partnership for the development of horticulture in the region.
All these factors in turn will bring revolutionary changes especially to the small and marginal farmers of the State.
Speaking at the function, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said, "The expo cum workshop is an opportunity to showcase the rich products of the State to the rest of the country.
We all should take this chance and put in effort so as to increase the production and earn recognition.