Shyamkumar inaugurates Kachai Lemon Fest
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Ukhrul, January 18 2018: Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar inaugurated the! 4th district level Kachai Lemon Festival at Kachai local ground, Ukhrul district today.

The festival is organised by Kachai Fruit Farming and Processing Cooperative Society Ltd and will conclude on January 20.Altogether 147 stalls are displaying the best lemons cultivated in the village.

Speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural function, Th Shyamkumar announced that the department under him will provide Rs 24 lakh for construction of a rural market shed (Rs 13.75 lakh) and a retail market (Rs 7.5 lakh) at Kachai village in Ukhrul district.

He assured that the fund will be handed over to the organising committee of the festival at the earliest so that the markets can be completed as soon as possible.

He further announced that the Forest Department will soon start a monetary assistance scheme to villagers for preservation of forests.

Shyamkumar inaugurates Kachai Lemon Fest

The scheme is likely to be initiated by March.

Acknowledging that Kachai lemon has popularised the village, Th Shyamkumar said after visiting the village he now has first hand knowledge of all the problems faced by the villagers.

He said his department is working under strict guidelines of the Centre which is why the department will work on the necessary documentation in collaboration with bank to give DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) to the beneficiaries.

He further said he will apprise the Chief Minister regarding the bad road conditions and put in a request to construct it before the onset of rainy season.

He assured the villagers that he along with experts and officials of the department will inspect the problems of the people by personally visiting them on the spot.

He also assured that he will help in providing hard working farmers loans within 10 days in collaboration with banks but he stressed on the need of repaying the loans on time.

Praising the Tangkhul villagers for wearing and showcasing their traditional attires, he said preserving "our traditional culture is a must." The Minister further said the demands for construction of Kachai Shanao Long office will be fulfilled along with construction of a polyhouse as submitted in the memorandum by the villagers.

On the other hand, farmers recounted their success stories.

One farmer recounted his problem faced during transportation of the lemons to Imphal.

The farmers appealed to the State Government to help in providing monetary help and modern technologies.

T Joseph Lhungdim, MCS, AC to DC, SDO/ BDO, LM Block, Ukhrul and Jogeshchandra Sharma, Officer in-charge MJDH attended the function as president and guest of honour respectively.

Cultural and entertainment programmes including famous Hoomi dance enthralled the crowd.

On the way back to Ukhrul town, Th Shyamkumar was given a grand reception by the villagers of Hoomi at Ngayopam Hall.

Hoomi village has a total population of 1289 .

Going through the demands of villagers, he assured to help in the construction of a guest house and a football ground.

He said Forest Department will consult with PCCF and HoFF whether the guest house can be constructed under CAMPA scheme.

He further announced mat the Environment Directorate will give fund for water conservation for the villagers.

He also assured the villagers that he will visit Hoomi village again when he visits Kachai village for inaugurating the rural market shed and retail market after the commencement of the Assembly session.