Andro's pineapple fare is the first in state: N Biren
Pineapple fare opens
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 29 2009: Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) Minister Nongthombam Biren has said that the pinepple festival being held at Andro is the first and foremost in the state.

He expressed this acknowledgement at the inaugural function of the 2nd State-level Pinapple Fare cum Youth Festival 2009 organised by Development Organisation, Andro constituency at Thambalnu market, Yairipok today.

Minister Biren, who was the cheif guest at the inaugural function of the Pineapple Fare cum Youth Festival 2009, said that like Orange Festival is held annually at Tamenglong where oranges are grown the most in the state and Lemon Festival is held at Kachai in Ukhrul district where lemons are grown in plenty, Pineapple Festival is held at Andro where pineapples are grown abundantly.

IFC Minister N Biren, PDA Chairman Dr Kh Loken (2nd from L) and social worker Th Babita (3rd from L) looking closely at a pile of sweet pineapples at a stall

Expressing his desire for the growers to produce pineapple still more in Andro area, Minister Biren said, the state government will also consider what assistance can be given to the growers in their efforts which are helping the state's economy to certain extent.

The Minister also assured the gathering that he would place the matter at Cabinet meeting.

He further said that it's heartening to learn that the Horticulture Department will be giving cash awards to the first, second and third position holders at the festival.

He then donated a sum of Rs 10,000 to the organisers of the festival as a little help from his side.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of Planning and Development Authority (PDA), Dr Kh Loken who presided over the inaugural function, observed that 80% of the population of Manipur live on agriculture.

It is not possible for the government to give employment to all these people.

Knowing this fact fully well, the MLA of Andro Assembly Constituency, Th Shyamkumar inspired the farmers of Andro to cultivate pineapples which is highly praiseworthy.

Affirming that pineapple cultivation has been able to help the state's economy to a large extent, Dr Loken expressed his hope that Manipur should become the only state in the whole world to produce such delicious and quality pineapples the most.

Dr Loken praised theefforts of the Horticulture Department to set up a cold storage at Andro in view of the inconveniences being faced by the farmers in transporting and marketing and also to prevent a large quantity of pineapples from getting rotten.

He assured the growers of all kinds of assistance from the side of government.

He also donated a sum of Rs 10,000 to the Development Organisation, Andro constituency.

President of the organisation, Md Fakhruddin, ex-Adhyaksha of Imphal East N Basanti and social worker Th Babita, wife of MLA Th Shyamkumar were the guests of honour at the inaurugal function.

About 120 stalls are opened at the Pineapple Fare.

Unlike last year's festival in which about four lakh pineapples were produced, this time two lakh pineapples are being exhibited.

Farmers taking part in the fare gave the reason for the reduction in the produce of the pineapples as shortage of rainfall.

Popular pineapples known as Assam pineapple and Queen pineapples are mainly on display and being sold at the fare cum festival.

Another variety known as Elang-hei (Heinnan) pineapples, though in less quantity are also on display and sale.

The pineapples being produced at the festival are grown at Ngariyan Cheeng, Angtha and Sherou.

The pineapples are sold at Rs 3/Rs 5 and Rs 8 per piece and four piece for Rs 20 .

The Festival will continue till July 2 .