IMPHAL, July 10: State Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam today inaugurated the 6th State Level Pineapple Fair cum Youth Festival 2013 at the Thambalnu Market Complex, Poiroupat Lamkhai, Andro a/c organised by the Development Organisation Andro Kendra (DOAK) today.
The festival will continue till July 15.
In the keynote address, K Abungcha, secretary, DOAK said that the Pineapple festival is being organized on a state level considering the collective welfare of the farmers in the state and to encourage sale of their pineapple to improve the economic status of the farmers.
The festival is being organized under the aegis of local MLA Th Shyamkumar with some financial support from several government offices.
He continued that 4000 quintals of pineapple was sold in last year’s edition of the pineapple festival, and this year’s edition is targeting to sell 5000-6000 quintal.
Addressing the opening function of the mela, the local MLA Th Shyamkumr said that it is being organized to encourage the farmers of the state to produce more pineapples in the state and eventually export them to other states.
Unemployment and the lack of respect for elders amongst the youths in the state are the root causes of the increase in crimes in the state, he said.
While expressing that there is a need for development in the state, he further appealed to the concern authorities to look into the development of the Andro constituency.
Further, Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam said the organizing of such festivals in the state will only encourage the farmers to produce more and enable them to earn more.
The Manipuri pineapple is very much in demand in other states, he said and added that it’s uniqueness comes from the variety of soil in the state.
Though the state pineapple is very much in demand, the production is very little and as such there is not much export to outside states. He also encouraged the state farmers to produce more and improve their own economic status.
As requested by DOAK general secretary in the keynote address he also assurance for the opening of a Police station in the area soon.
Speaking at the function Govindas Konthoujam, Commerce and Industries/Sericulture/ Veterinary and Animal Husbandry said 23 percent of food are wasted due to improper preservation; and added that the farmers can preserve their food items at Nilakuthi.