Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 02 2009:
State horticulture department has recognized Queen and Kew variety of pineapple available in the state as priority crop from this year and will install a processing unit at Andro under the technology mission of the department said mission director Dr Kh Ratankumar speaking at the concluding function of the five day long 2nd Pineapple Cum Youth Festival, 2009 .
The second state level pineapple festival which was held at Thabalnu Bazar of Yairipok Angtha was organized by the Andro Kendra Development Organisation in association with state horticulture and soil conservation department.
It commenced from June 30 last.
At the concluding function, prizes to the first, second and third for the pineapple competition was also presented to K Tombi of Angtha, M Kunjakeshwor and Y Inao respectively.
A total of 120 stall of pineapple took part in the competition.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kh Ratankumar said Centre is investing funds for enhancing the production of fruits and vegetables in the north eastern region under the technology mission.
Pineapple of Manipur has been recognized as one of the priority fruits and with this farmers can avail funds under the mission.
A processing unit has been opened at Kousabung under the mission and the department will sanction Rs 2 lakh for setting up another processing unit at Andro, he said.
Farmers will be trained on latest method of cultivation of the pineapple under the mission and the department is planning to supply pineapple plants which can store for one month in fresh condition to the farmers, he added.
Pineapple produced in the state is very much demand for making rush Gula in Delhi, Ratankumar said.
He also expressed shock on the absent of MLA Th Shyamkumar who encourage farmers in plantation of pineapple.
MLA, M Oken who attended the concluding function as chief guest expressed concerned over the non-followed up to the action plan announced by the government functionaries which were stated in such festival and other like Orange, Lemon festivals held in the state.
He also talked on various expect of fruits cultivations.
MLA, Th Nandakishor also attended the function as guest of honour.
General secretary of the Andro Development Organisation, K Abung delivered the key note address.