IMPHAL, Aug 23 - In a move to empower pineapple farmers and provide them a common platform, the 12th State-level Manipur Pineapple Festival was held at Khousabung village in Churachandpur district today.
Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, chairman of the Hill Areas Committee T Thangzalam Haokip and MLAs of Henglep and Moirang attended the inaugural function of the festival.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that the objective of the Manipur Pineapple Festival is to look for viable markets, promote agro-tourism and foster the spirit of unity and brotherhood.
Different varieties of pineapples are found in Manipur, Dr Heptulla said, adding that the pineapple is the preferred fruit for many due to its flavour and health quotient. There is a huge potential of economic activity on the basis of this horticultural crop, she stressed.
Suggesting production of sundried pineapple slices for commercial purpose, the Governor said that it is important to develop easily marketable products like canned pineapple slices, concentrates, extracts and powder so that the transportation costs come down and the fruit is available to national and international consumers all the year round.
As part of the festival, the Governor and other dignitaries visited the pineapple stalls. A souvenir of the Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee, 2019 called Footprints was also released on the occasion. Artistes and cultural troupes also performed on the sidelines of the festival.
The festival was organised to showcase the source of livelihood of more than 400 farming families. Unlike in the previous years, no Ppineapple Queen pageant was organised this time.
After the �queen� variety of the fruit produced in Imphal East district, Churachandpur has also emerged as a major producer of the �kew� variety.
