Pineapple fair kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 10 2013: With the production of over 300 MT of pineapple, the 6th Pineapple Fair cum Youth Festival 2013 has kick started at Andro Thambalnu market from today.

The five-day fair is being organised by Development Organisation Andro Kendra under the sponsorship of Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Andro MLA Th Shyamkumar and Th Shyamkumar's wife Th Babita were present in the opening function as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Gaikhangam inaugurated the fair by unveiling a well designed rest shed made solely with pineapples amidst hundreds of cheering crowd.

The unveiling of the rest shed also marked the kick start of pineapple sales in around 160 stalls being opened at the fair.

Speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that people all over the world are aware of the quality and taste of crops, vegetables and fruits grown on the soil of Manipur.

However, there is still a problem of being unable to supply these produces in time.

The Deputy Chief Minister also urged the people of the State to work together to solve this problem.

Although, the State occupies remarkable place in the field of art and culture, Manipur is however lagging behind in work culture, Gaikhangam observed.

Urging the people of the State to enhance work culture as well, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed his desire to organise a single grand pineapple festival instead of holding separate fairs at different localities.

MLA Th Shyamkumar while speaking at the function said that the fair was organised with an aim to promote Manipuri pineapple, bring work culture and encourage pineapple farmers.

The mini food processing unit, set up with the assistance from Horticulture Mission, has been serving pineapple juice to the people of the State since past four years, the MLA added.

He also added that experts from Central Agricultural University and related Departments have also been imparting knowledge on new technologies to the farmers.

As such, pineapple production has been helping in enhancing economic condition of the farmers.

Saying that a major chunk of pineapple production however goes to wastage due to lack of proper market and absence of a cold storage, the MLA urged the Horticulture Department to set up a cold storage at the area.

Maintaining that Andro has numerous elements of historical importance, Shyamkumar said that efforts are being made to broaden Imphal-Yairipok Road.

Minister Govindas Konthoujam expressed hope that such fairs would be helpful in reviving the lost work culture of the State.

He said that Horticulture Department would make a survey on the agriculture and horticulture produces which go to wastage due to absence of cold storage.

The Minister also assured to look into the possibilities of setting up a cold storage each in all the districts.

He also promised to extend all possible help to open a cold storage at Andro area.

Among other dignitaries, Horticulture Mission Director Kirankumar was also present at the occasion.

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