15th State level Pineapple Fest kicks off Letpao notes produces of Andro
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, July 01 2022:
Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Letpao Haokip inaugurated the 15th State Level Pineapple Festival cum Sellers & Buyers Meet and Youth Festival, 2022 today at Thambalnu Market Complex, Poiroupat Lamkhai, Imphal East District.
The festival is being organized by the Development Organization Andro Kendra (DOAK) in collaboration with the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department under the aegis of Eastern Border Area Development Authority (EBADA) and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) .
The festival is sponsored by the North Eastern Council.
It will continue till July 5 .
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function, Letpao Haokip said that Andro is known for producing many horticultural produces in good quantities.
Horticulture Department has been dependent on Agriculture Department, however if horticultural produces are increased then the department can support Agriculture Department, Letpao said.
He added that Manipur is a land where any type of crop can be cultivated and crops cultivated in the State have their own flavours.
Stating that farmers have been facing many difficulties regarding marketing of the produces, he said the Government has made arrangements to lower the risks of marketing crops.
Farmers need not worry about the issue (of marketing) and thus can produce crops without any fear, he claimed.
Letpao also appealed to the farmers to focus on cultivating high value plants which have high demand in the market.
He said crops having the quality of anti-oxidants and spices with distinctive flavours can be cultivated in hilly areas instead of cultivating those plants grown annually.
Horticulture Department will provide support to the farmers in cultivating such crops and plants through training and other related activities, he added.
He also urged the public to treat farmers with respect as they are the ones helping everyone to survive.
Supporting the statement of Horticulture & Soil Conservation Minister, MLA Th Shyamkumar said that farmers should be respected and co-operation should be given to them to improve the yield of crops in the State.
He also appealed to the locals of Andro to show their best hospitality to the visitors during the five-day long festival.
Kh Diana Devi, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East; Honeychara, Director, Horticulture & Soil Conservation Department; W Sanaton Singh, vice-president, DOAK, Th Babita Devi, patron member, DOAK; officials of Horticulture & Soil Conservation Department, members of DOAK, invitees and others attended the inaugural function.