Manipur Horticulture Minister Letpao Haokip on Friday assured to provide market facilities to all farmers ahead of giving training and providing saplings to make Manipur a self-sustainable state.
Haokip was speaking as the chief guest during the inaugural function of the 15th State Level Pineapple Festival cum Sellers and Buyers Meet and Youth Festival at Thambalnu Market Complex in Imphal East.
Manipur is blessed with fertile soil which is capable of growing various high value crops; however, farmers are adapted to growing only some specific crops such as mustard, perilla and colocasia, he said.
He suggested that cultivating high value crops such as avocado, blueberry and cardamom will be a great step to boost the economy of the farmers.
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He further pointed out that various horticulture produce of Manipur, especially pineapple, have a high demand overseas like in Dubai. He apprised the farmers to not feel insecure in taking up large scale plantation of horticulture products as the government is ready to provide the market.
He further asserted that 92 per cent of the state is covered by hills, and called on the people of the state to make the hills an economic booster of the state by taking up plantations of high value crops.
“It is time to stop relying only on agricultural products which are practiced only in the valley regions which consist of only eight per cent area of the state,” he added.
Focusing on planting more horticulture crops instead of practicing jhum cultivation will also help in conserving the soil and saving the biodiversity, he further said, adding, “let us all support the farmers and make Manipur an exporter state.”
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Delivering the presidential speech, Andro MLA Th Shyamkumar stressed that the main objective of the festival is to encourage ‘work culture’ to the upcoming generations. He called upon the public to take a collective stand and support one another to make Manipur a self-sustainable and a developed state.
Prior to the celebration, a two-minute silence was observed in solidarity and condolence to victims of the massive landslide at Noney district.
As many as 123 pineapple stalls, 46 food joints and 70 other stalls were installed at the festival site.
The function was also attended by deputy commissioner of Imphal East Kh Daina Devi; director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Honeychara; vice-president of DOAK W Sanaton Singh and patron member of DOAK Th Babita Devi as guests of honour.
