7th Manipur State Level Kiwi Fruit Festival begins in Senapati
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, November 28 2025: The 7th Manipur State Level Kiwi fruit Festival was kicked off at Oinam Hill village in Senapati district today.

The two-day festival was inaugurated by Thaithuilung Pamei, IAS, Commissioner, Horticulture & Soil Conservation/Member Secretary, EBADA & BRVDB as the chief guest; Yeite Khupaorel Koireng, Joint Director, H&SC and SR Marson Anal, MFS, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Senapati as the guests of honour and N Benjamin Tao, president, Tribal Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (TICCI), Manipur Chapter as the functional president.

In his welcome note, PN Heli, president, Senapati Producers Organisation of Organic Kiwi fruit (SPOOOK) said the climatic conditions and agronomic characteristics of the region are favourable for the cultivation of Kiwi fruit.

Widespread adoption of kiwi cultivation has been seen in Thingba Khunou, Thingba Khullen, Oinam Hill, Purul, Koide, Liyai, Tunjoy, Tunggam, Lakhamai, Chowainamei, Songsong, Pudunamei, Kalinamei, Makhan and several other villages in the district, highlighting the potential of Senapati to become the "Kiwi fruit capital of Manipur" .

While the majority of the fanners in Senapati district are entirely dependent on agriculture for their livelihood and sustenance, the promotion of kiwi fruit amongst the farmers has become very important and essential as it can further boost their income, provide employment and leverage the effort of the government in alleviating poverty in the State in general, he said.

"It is with this vision the 7th Manipur State Level Kiwi fruit Festival, 2025 is being organised by SPOOOK to encourage kiwi fruit cultivation amongst the farmers in the district through on-farm demonstration, producerbuyer linkages and promoting agro-tourism", the president mentioned.

Speaking as the chief guest, Thaithuilung Pamei, IAS said that the department has recognised the potential and suitability of kiwi plantation in the region, adding that it has been taking up projects slowly to establish kiwi plantations for long term economic prosperity of the area.

He maintained that the region has been sponsored under MOMA and MIDH, while the NEC financial advisor had reportedly sanctioned funds for organising the Kiwi fruit Festival.

Addressing media after the program, N Benjamin Tao emphasised and requested the Government of Manipur to encourage the farmers to plant more kiwis and persimmon in the hill areas.

Commenting on the cultivation of poppy and marijuana in the hills, he said that in order to replace such growth, alternative cash crops should be grown to support the people's livelihood.

Thus, he urged the Government and Tribal Ministry of India to promote the growth of Kiwi fruits and persimmon in the region.

Around 60 stalls were put up during the festival.

The second and concluding day of the State level Kiwi fruit Festival will continue with technical sessions, field demonstrations and hands-on training by subject experts.

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