IMPHAL, December 16: `I spent around Rs. 1000 for transportation and accommodation to take part in the Orange Festival. Transporting the oranges to the district headquarter is the biggest hurdle we face`, said Akin.
Akin from Sibilong Village under Tamenglong District, stood first in the recently held Orange Festival in the district.
Talking to IFP, she continued `I grow around 200 orange plants in my farm. Each plant gives around 200 fruits in a year. If transportation is not a problem I wish to sell my oranges in Imphal`.
Adi Panmei, another orange grower of Akhui Village said `though Tamenglong District has well preserved forest, I think we are facing a strange climate phenomenon`. He pointed out that besides tackling the menace of insects, the farmers have to bear the brunt of heavy winds which destroy the flowers of orange plant especially during June and July month.
`It seems the winds are getting stronger in recent years which damage half of our produces`, Adi lamented. Citing the common problem of transportation, Adi added `My village is 12 Km away from the district headquarter. We do not get any help from the State Horticulture Department. Moreover, we don`™t know the process to avail the welfare schemes of the department`.
Sebuilui from Tamingjam Village, who was also a participant in the festival said she do not own any kind of orange farm as such. `They grow in plenty in our village. Every family has many orange plants growing here and there`, she said, before adding that availing the government facilities is one of the main problems besides transportation.