10th State level Pineapple festival kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, June 25 2017:
The l0th State level pineapple festival cum sellers and buyers meet and youth festival, 2017 kicked off today at Thambalnu Market Complex, Poiroupat under Andro AC.
The festival is jointly organised by Development Organisation Andro Kendra and Horticulture Department, Government of Manipur and sponsored by North Eastern Council (NEC), Government of India and the festival will continue till June 29 .
The inaugural function of the festival was graced by the Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar Singh and MAHUD, Forest and Environment, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Th Shyamkumar as Chief Guest and President respectively.
Parliamentary Secretaries L Susindro Singh (Home), K Leishiyo (Horticulture and Soil Conservation), Director Horticulture and Soil Conservation K Kipgen and Th Babita Devi, social worker/ Patron Development Organisation Andro Kendra attended as guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion Y Joykumar said that one of the most important areas which have the potential to bring development to the State is the agricultural sector.
"Comparing with other varieties of pineapple, our indigenous pineapple which are a bit small in size, has unique and better taste.
So, let's try to save and promote this indigenous pineapple variety.
Because of our hill lock structure and availability of plenty of fruits, it will be better for farmers to adopt integrated fanning.
We need to ponder on which product of agriculture will be better to combine with pineapple", he added.
Giving signal for co-operative movement, Y Joykumar said that Cooperative society will help in taking more aids and funds from the Union Agricultural Ministry as the State don't have the cooperative movement.
Th.Shyamkumar said that festival has been organised to bring back the work culture which was in the blood of the fore fathers to the youths of the State and also for better economy of the pineapple growers.
Saying everything including education is coming towards in the right direction in Andro Kendra, the Minister wished for a developed and peaceful Manipur.
As a part of the programme, a souvenir was released and cultural dance by different communities were showcased.