Manipur's potential in horticulture showcased at Orange Festival

Climatic conditions in the northeast are favourable for horticulture. Manipur's Tamenglong District, which is known as the "Orange Bowl" of the state, hosts an annual festival to demonstrate the variety of oranges it produces.

Khasi Mandarin is a variety of orange produced in Tamenglong, a district located 140 kms from Imphal. The climate and soil here are well suited for the production of oranges.

During this time of the year, farmers celebrate their harvest by organizing Orange festival. Over 300 orange cultivators exhibited different varieties of oranges to attract the visitors, including foreign tourists.

The state event is jointly organized by the Horticulture, Soil Conservation Department and District Administration committee.

"2015 edition of state level orange festival has been a grand success with the participation of 305 orange growers and in the evening programme we will be having orange queen contest with 21 contestants from across the state," said Ramkung Panmei, Media Coordinator

To make the event more attractive, cultural troupes from different parts of the state perform at the gathering to give a glimpse of the state to the visitors.

Rewben Mashangva, a well known Naga folk musician, who is also known as the father of Naga folk blues, enthralled the audience.

Mangka Mayanglambam, a young Manipuri folk singer, also mesmerized the audience with his performance. Later, many artists also performed Pung Chalom (Manipuri dance).

"It is very good to sell oranges during this festival and this is one of the source of our income. It's good," said Thoigu, Orange grower

"In this festival, we exhibit and sell oranges. It's a very good experience," said another orange grower, Thangpou

Models also sashayed down the ramp for the Miss Orange Queen contest. Vania Chawang won the contest whereas Soraisam Devajani and Sylvia Kamei stood the first and second runner-up respectively.

"I now have been crowned as Miss Orange Queen. I'm very much excited. I thank the God as it all happened because of his grace. I thank all viewers for supporting me," said Vania Chawang, Miss Orange Queen, 2015

Festivals like these not only promote the farming sector, but also give a boost to tourism in the state.