Andro pineapple festival starts
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 14 2018:
With much fanfare and reflection of the age-old occupation of pineapple cultivation at Andro, the 11th State Level Pineapple Festival cum Sellers and Buyers Meet and Youth Festival, 2(518, began at Thambalnu Market Complex, Poiroupat Lamkhai, Andro A/C, today.
Governor Dr Najma Heptulla graced the opening ceremony of the festival as the chief guest while Health Minister L Jayantakumar, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Th Shyamkumar and Development Organization, Andro Kendra (DOAK)'s patron Th Babita Devi attended as the president and guests of honour respectively.
The State level pineapple festival which has been organised annually since 2008 is being held with the aim of preserving work culture in Andro A/C and the State, particularly in connection with the age-old occupation of pineapple growing.
It is also aimed at boosting the economy of pineapple growers of the Constituency.
Altogether 163 pineapple stalls, 54 other stalls and 32 hotels were opened at the festival which will come to an end on July 19.Speaking at the function, Dr Najma Heptulla exuded confidence that organizing such a festival in the State will create a competitive spirit among the populace, particularly the farmers, apart from enhancing their (farmers) performance to a significant level.
She went on to describe the festival as one that empowers the farmers, bring the farmers to a common platform, helps in the search for viable markets, promote agro-tourism and foster the spirit of unity and brotherhood and added that the festival has grown in popularity since its inception in 2008.Pointing out that pineapple is one of the most important horticulture crops of the State and a large number of people rely on the fruit both as a source of livelihood/revenue and as a food source, the Governor also emphasized on the need for taking up appropriate steps/plans to produce more pineapple as well as for processing the product and making them available throughout the year.
The shelf life of a pineapple is short and its transportation cost is high and as such plenty of pineapples go to waste after some percentage of the total produce are consumed, the Governor said while conceding that it is important to develop easily marketable products like canned pineapple slices, concentrate, extract and in powder form etc.
This will result in more income for the pineapple growers and farmers in the State and it will also contribute towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aim of doubling the farmers' income by 2020, Najma added.
She also underscored the importance of improving communication and transportation system in the State for making farming a profitable occupation and exuded confidence that the Government will give its best effort to improve the road connectivity in the State.
On the other hand, Shyamkumar mentioned that the festival has been organized with the main objective of developing a strong work force among the people of Andro A/C and to enhance their economic condition.
Asserting that the living condition and economic status of the people of Andro A/C is very poor, he maintained that developing a strong work culture will go a long way towards improving the life of the people.
He also assured that he will try his best to develop the Constituency while highlighting that many educational institutes and initiatives in health care systems have also been taken up with the help of the Central Government and State Government in the constituency.
Many cultural items were also showcased during the event.
The Governor also inaugurated a cold storage unit and a food processing unit during the function.
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