Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar today inaugurated the 1st Manipur Kiwifruit Festival at Purul Akutpa village, Senapati district. (Photo Courtesy/ NNN Photo)
1st Manipur Kiwi fruit Festival
Newmai News Network
Imphal | November 24
Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister, Thounaojam Shyamkumar today inaugurated the 1st Manipur Kiwifruit Festival held under the theme 'Kiwifruit for Rural Prosperity and Healthy Living' at Purul Akutpa village, Senapati district. The festival will conclude tomorrow at the Purul Akutpa village which is located around 105 km from Imphal.
The two days Kiwi fruit Festival is organised by Senapati Producers' Organisation of Organic Kiwi fruit (SPOOK) and jointly supported by Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) under the aegis of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, Government of Manipur and ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, Imphal.
Minister Shyamkumar also inaugurated a rural market shed constructed under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme (2017-2018) under the aegis of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, Government of Manipur.
Speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural function of the festival held at Rasha Hall, Minister Shyamkumar assured to the villagers of Purul that an assistance of Rs 20 lakh will be given for the construction of a water body, construction of drain and other requirements in the village.
He made the assurance after villagers submitted a memorandum to the Minister regarding the requirement for a water reservoir for the village.
He said the Kiwifruit Festival will give an opportunity and a platform to the farmers to cultivate more kiwi and work harder to increase the production. Appealing to all the stakeholders, he said all must come forward to cooperate and support the farmers. He also observed that with the advent of the festival, the people of the State will get awareness regarding the health benefits of kiwi consumption.
Noting that pisciculture is practiced widely in Purul and adjoining areas, he said he will contact the concerned department so that the villagers can get more help from the department concerned. He also assured that various possible programs will be discussed with the officers of Forest Department and Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department so that it can be implemented in Purul in the near future.
He further said the 'Go to Village' Mission under the initiative of the State Government led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has given an opportunity to visit and interact with the villagers at the ground level. He hoped that personal visit of the leaders at the ground level will bring the public and Government closer and help in the development process of the State.
Speaking on the inauguration of the rural market shed, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Th. Shyamkumar hoped that the market will ease the problems of locals. He said the vegetables, fruits and other produces grown locally and in the adjoining areas can be sold at the rural market shed.
As part of the function, a souvenir titled ‘1st Manipur Kiwifruit Festival’ was released. Various cultural and entertainment programs enthralled the crowd and dignitaries. Some of the highlights of the festival are kiwifruit competition, awareness programme, buyer-seller meet and cultural events.
