Orange festival ends

The festival, the biggest of its kind in the state, was celebrated with fanfare and amid tight security because of the boycott call given by All Naga Students Union Manipur (ANSAM), Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) and United Naga Council (UNC) saying that the state government had 'neglected' the Nagas.

Speaking on the concluding day at the district headquarters of Tamenglong as the chief guest yesterday, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said organges produced in the district not only were as a source of income but also provided employment to the people besides having a tourism potential.

Instead of indulging in deforestation of the hills, Singh said, farmers should concentrate on planting orange trees and other fruits which could bring them adequate income.

The chief minister said the government was aware of the natural resources available in Tamenglong district and was making an industrial draft policy keeping in mind the the eco-tourism potential of the area.

Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam who hails from the district, appealed to the farmers to use scientific approach to enure that oranges could become commercially viable for exports.

Official sources said the government was considering to help farmers transport their produce to Imphal and other places.

Orange growers who participated in the festival told visiting journalists that the government should not use the festival to showcase their produces. Instead, the authorities should help them transport the oranges to other parts of the state.

Oranges from Tamenglong are of high quality and are in very much in demand. But farmers face transportation problems.