4th pineapple festival begins
'Good production will lead to a good economy'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 03 2011:
The 4th State Level Pineapple Festival cum Youth Festival commenced today at Yairipok Thambalnu Keithel, Imphal East.
The Development Organisation Andro Kendra under the sponsorship of Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation organised the festival which will continue for five days.
MLA, Ng Bijoy and MLA, Th Shyamkumar graced the inauguration function as chief guest and president respectively.
MLA Salam Joy and social activist Th Babita also attended as guests of honour.
The organising committee expected a higher production of pineapples as compared to the previous festival.
According to a member of the committee approximately 300 metric tonnes of pineapple production is likely to increase from the last year's production figure.
Speaking in the occasion, MLA Ng Bijoy said that the main source of income of the people of the state is through agricultural activities.
If people of the state work hard for mass production of pineapple products and export it to other states, it will be a major boost to the present economic condition of the state.
He said that instead of spending huge amount of MGNREGS funds in clearing grass and drains, government should spend the amount in agriculture related works which can give a boost to the economy of the state.
He also urged the farmers not to use chemical fertilizers while cultivating pineapples.
It would be better for them to use organic farming technology which will add to the quality of the products.
MLA, Th Shyamkumar said that farmers in the state are facing difficulties in selling pineapples since they do not have a proper market for the purpose.
The festival was initiated in order to address the shortage of a proper market.
Officials of Central Agriculture University (CAU) and Agriculture Department also helped the farmers with various awareness programmes in cultivating pineapples.
Shyamkumar urged the people of the state to develop a better work culture.
He also urged the parents to check their children from going awry with the introduction of mobile phones in the state.
Taking advantage of the function, he urged the people of the state to be aware of the increasing crime rate arising from mobile phone use and to stay away from immoral activities and crimes.
Dean of CAU, Dr N Iboton said that Himachal Pradesh has a good economy by producing a large number of apples.
Likewise, pineapple farming can also give a major boost in the economy of the state given that the farmers plant the Meetei Hei variety which becomes ripe in a very short span.