The two-day festival was formally inaugurated by C Arthur W, deputy commissioner of Tamenglong on December 16.
Phunzathang further mentioned that the state government has already submitted the detailed project report (DPR) for orange and bamboo plantation to the Central government. The project will soon be launched from next year and so farmers should work with utmost dedication and sincerity, he enjoined.
He also announced to sanction Rs six lakh for orange cultivators from the side of the state government from next year onwards while advising them to enhance productivity.
Brigadier Arun Joshi, chief engineer of BRO, stated that the problem of road connectivity being faced by the people of Tamenglong district will be solved within a specific time.
The BRO is committed to develop the NH-37 within the stipulated as agreed upon the state and central government, he noted.
The main function was also attended by state education minister DD Thaisii, Col DPK Pillay, defence specialist, NSC to PMO, Dr Md Sajjad Hassan, pecial secretary (planning), Sanjeev Chopra, joint secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation Mission Director of NHM, and Sanjiv Nair, joint secretary, Department of Science and Technology Mission Director of NMBA.
A discussion programme on orange cultivation was also held on the first day of the festival. GP Kabui, programme coordinator, ICAR, S Gunamani, plant breeding specialist, ICAR, RK Roshan, horticulture specialist, ICAR were the resource persons of the discussion programme.
Various cultural and entertainment items including a beauty pageant were held as a part of the two-day festival.
Mandira Das of Paona Bazar was crowned Miss Orange Queen-2011 while Kh Brajeshori of Samurou and Nganzaveni Thetan of Dimapur were named the first runner-up and second runner-up of the beauty pageant respectively.