Pineapple fest

Imphal, Aug 23 (DIPR): The XIIth State Level Manipur Pineapple Festival was held at Khousabung DCC Headquarters, Churachandpur district today.
On the occasion, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, Chairman HAC and MLA 57-Henglep Assembly Constituency T Thangzalam Haokip and MLA Moirang A/C P Sharatchandra Singh were present as the chief guest, president and chief host respectively.
While delivering her speech, Dr Najma Heptulla stated that festivals are organized to serve a definite purpose and the objective of the Manipur Pineapple Festival is to empower the pineapple farmers, bring them to a common platform, search for viable markets, promote agro-tourism and generally foster the spirit of unity and brotherhood.
In the 11 years since its inception, the festival is slowly but surely moving towards achieving its objectives. It is common knowledge that pineapple is one of the most important horticulture crops in Manipur and a large number of people in the State are dependent on it for their livelihood, she said adding that there are different varieties of pineapple like Queen, Kew found in the State and it is a favourite fruit for many because of its flavour and health quotient.
There is a large potential for economic activity based on this horticulture crop to increase the income of the farmers. Demand is never an issue and there is a need to produce more, while simultaneously taking up processing so that the fruits remain available throughout the year to enhance its economic viability.  The shelf life of the fruit is rather short and the transportation cost in the State is forbiddingly high and as such, while some percentage of this wonderful produce gets consumed in the State, plenty gets wasted, she added.
Suggesting production of sun-dried pineapple slices for commercial purpose particularly to women folk, the Governor continued that it is important to develop the easily marketable products like canned pineapple slices, concentrate, extract and in powder form so that the transportation cost comes down and the fruit in a good form is available to National and International consumers year round.
This will result in reduction of risk for farming community while making good economic gains, she opined.
She then appealed that very effort should be made by all concerned to expand pineapple export avenue and make it a commercially successful venture.
This fruit could rank as a good revenue earner for the State, Dr Najma Heptulla added.
As part of the festival, the Governor and dignitaries visited the pineapple stalls, a souvenir of the Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee (MPFC), Manipur, ‘2019 Footprints’ was released, artistes presented many numbers and different cultural troupes gave performance too. 
The festival was organised by the Cabinet Committee of Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee, Manipur.
It is said that the festival is a celebration of the products of the pineapple farming communities of Khousabung area. It’s an opportunity to showcase their hard earned products, the very source of livelihood to more than 400 farming families. (DIPR)