1st Watermelon Fest to be held in state
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 04 2012:
With the main objective for promoting watermelon cultivation in Manipur, Nahakpam Foundation for Development (NFFD) in collaboration with watermelon farmers of the state, is all set to organize the first ever watermelon festival in the state at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen , Palace Compound from 8th to 12th of June.
Briefing media persons about the festival in the office of NFFD at its North AOC office here today, Ambassador of NFFD Sophia Mayengbam said during the festival, opinions of experts will be recorded for submitting the findings to the concerned authority for promotion Watermelon farming and increase the yield.
Increasing local production of Watermelon would definitely help in preventing draining away huge amount of money from importing watermelon from Myanmar through Moreh, she expressed confidence.
An open discussion session on the topic of 'Watermelon Farming and Manipur' with resource persons from Horticulture sector, Food processing and Industries sector, economic and co-operative sector and with different NGOs would also be felicitated during the course of the three-day long festival.
Sophia further informed that farmers opening stall in the festival will not be charged any money and allotment of stall will be based on first come basis.
To add some glamour to the first ever watermelon festival in the state, various entertainment programmes related to watermelon would also organised.
On the last day of the festival, there would be an open competition on watermelon carving and popular Manipuri singer Sori Senjam would conduct a special show, Sophia disclosed, adding that farmers and other individuals desirous of participating in the festival may contact mobile phone nos.8974889861, 9862880457 or the office of Nahakpam Foundation for Development, North AOC opposite Kekrupat, Imphal for further details.
Ngahakpam Santa, Secretary of NFFD was also present in the press meet.