12th pineapple festival kicks off Shyamkr traces progress of festival
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 04 2019:
The 12th State Level Pineapple Festival cum Buyers-Sellers Meet and Youth Festival 2019 kicked off today at Thambalnu Keithel, Imphal East district.
The festival which would continue till July 7 is being organised by the Development Organisation Andro Kendra (DOAK) under the aegis of the Eastern Border Area Development Authority.
The festival is being sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC) .
Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Th Shyamkumar, Deputy Speaker K Robindro, Manipur Building & Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board Chairman Heikham Dingo, Horticulture & Soil Conservation Principal Secretary JC Ramthanga and DOAK patron member Th Babita attended the opening function as presidium members.
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Speaking at the opening ceremony, Shyamkumar said that the pineapple festival was first held in 2007 in consultation with pineapple farmers and senior citizens, and now the festival has evolved into a State level festival.
The festival was launched with multiple objectives of enhancing farmers' income, make the State self-reliant in food, promote discipline and work culture and uphold indigenous culture and traditions, Shyamkumar said.
Saying that pineapple production was a little lower this time on account of inadequate rainfall, Shyamkumar asserted that the diminishing rainfall rate is a direct result of mankind's challenge to nature.
Last pineapple produced in the State including those produced in Andro AC were airlifted and exported to foreign countries in addition to different States of the country.
He said that a consignment of pineapple would be sent outside the State by air tomorrow.
People might be feeling certain uneasiness on account of inadequate rainfall and the Government's internal crisis.
But people need not worry much for there would be abundant rainfall soon and the Government's internal crisis is most likely to be resolved shortly, added the MLA.
The crisis is a temporary one and it is not a very serious one, Shyamkumar said.
Andro AC is closely associated with the history of Manipur and it has many sacred and religious sites.
Moreover, people of Andro AC have been taking pivotal roles in preserving and upholding the indigenous culture and traditions of the land, he said.
A youth festival was incorporated within the pineapple festival since a few years back to make the whole festival more meaningful.
Andro AC is not lagging behind much as compared to other Assembly segments of the State.
With monetary assistance of Rs 384 crore sanctioned by several Ministries of the Central Government, many development projects are being implemented in Andro AC including health, education and tourism sectors, he claimed.
Due process for setting up a cold storage facility near the festival venue is nearing completion.
As such, construction work can be initiated soon, Shyamkumar said.
He also released a booklet in connection with the 12th State Level Pineapple Festival cum Buyers-Sellers Meet and Youth Festival 2019 .
Altogether 115 farmers and 70 artisans are taking part in the festival.
Cultural dance and music items were also presented at the opening function.