Manipur hosts 11th pineapple festival

Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla has recently inaugurated the 11th state-level pineapple festival, where sellers and buyers met to promote pineapple as a viable cash crop and help the farmers to attain a sustainable livelihood.

Pineapple farming is one of the major sources of income for many farmers. The state aims to promote agro-based tourism and horticulture crops as it is blessed with abundant varieties of herbs and medicinal plants.

The festival was organised by Development Organisation, Andro Kendra (DOAK), and took place in Thambalnu market complex of Thoubal district.

Speaking about the event, Governor Heptulla said that pineapples are a good option for revenue generation.

"Pineapple is a good option for revenue generation for the state. Pineapple and other varieties of fruit available in the state can be dried and sold at higher profit margin," said Heptulla.

The Manipur governor also expressed her happiness on attending the festival.

"I am happy to be here, the festival is on, as well as the yatra is also happening in Manipur," referring to the Purna Ratha Yatra.

Pineapple farmers also expressed their happiness on attending the festival as it is a great source of income.

"It is the 11th festival; I am very excited and have been calling the customers. I have been selling pineapple for the past 15 years I am expecting to earn Rs 1,000 as it is the first day. Last year, I earned Rs 20,000. This is the main source of income for my family," said Nungshi, a pineapple farmer.

The festival aimed to help the farmers to become economically stable and improve their livelihood.

Varieties like Queen and Kew can potentially enhance the business prospects of the agriculture sector as they are preferred for their flavour and health quotient.

163 pineapple stalls and 32 food stalls run only by indigenous tribes from Andro AC were on display and attracted a large number of visitors from every nook and corner of the region.

Visitor too had a great experience attending the festival.

"I have tasted varieties of pineapple and this has been a new experience for me. Even though other states produces pineapple but Manipur's pineapple is amongst the best which makes me feel proud," said Mangal Meitei a visitor at the festival.

The festival opened a new avenue for buyers and sellers as they not only got an opportunity to display their products but also availed a chance to interact and exchange ideas between them and develop new ideas.

Later, the Governor urged minister Th. Shyamkumar to implement central schemes to develop and construct a market shed for women vendors of Andro Kendra who are selling their products at the roadside.