IMPHAL, May 2 - The second edition of the State-level Ginger Festival began at the Pherzawl district headquarters, 240 km south of Imphal, today. Pherzawl DC Mannuamching inaugurated the two-day festival in the newly-created district headquarters.
Churachandpur Autonomous District Council member Lalhmangpui, Project Director of Manipur Organic Mission Agency, Devdutta Sharma, subdivisional officers, district officers and other dignitaries were present during the inaugural function.
Speaking on the occasion, DC Mannuamching called upon the farmers for systematic cultivation of ginger for sustainable development.
Stating that the festival is aimed at encouraging and promoting ginger cultivation by farmers in the district, she said it also aims to bring in people from all over the world to explore the wild natural beauty of the place and experience the local way of life and culture.
Urging the farmers to opt for organic farming which will in the long run save the environment and enhance fertility and productivity, the DC exhorted the farmers to judiciously use resources like forest and land. She also asked the farmers to avoid rampant use of chemical pesticides, weedicides and synthetic fertilisers. Steps in the right direction should be taken by all stakeholders to prevent waste of labour and production in the face of good roads for transportation, she said, expressing the hope that the festival would help farmers increase production and reach out to a bigger market.
In his speech, Pherzawl ADC S Thienlaljoy Gangte stressed the need of proper financial management. He urged the farmers to prepare their second line of income generation.
Later, the DC, along with other officials, inspected the agro product exhibition put up by farmers from different villages. A free medical camp was organised on the sidelines of the day�s function.
Cultural programmes by troupes from surrounding villages and other items from prominent artistes marked the inaugural function. A business session and a farmers� consultative meeting will be held on the second day tomorrow.
