IMPHAL, August 13: With the aim of promoting pineapple and empowerment of the farmers, the Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee is all set to organise the 9th edition of State Level Manipur Pineapple Festival at Khousabung ground in Churachandpur district of Manipur on August 27.
Seilenmang Khongsai, MDC & Working Chairman of Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee said that Manipur Pineapple Festival is being organized every year since 2008 with the aim of promoting pineapple fruits and empowering the farmers’ community.
He added that the State Level Pineapple Festival is a grassroots movement aimed at the economic upliftment of the poor farmers. The working chairman informed that about 300 pineapple farmers have already enrolled themselves as members under the Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee.
The Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee is the only state level body formed by the pineapple farmers which is registered under the Government of Manipur. Seilenmang Khongsai said that International Boxer and Rajya Sabha MP Dr MC Mary Kom has consented to grace the occasion as chief guest.
The day-long celebration will also be attended by T Pamei, IAS, Commissioner (Horti & SC /TD) as functional president while Lunminthang Haokip, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpour and Genneikhup Vaiphei, Executive Member, ADC / Churachandpur will grace the function as guests of honour. The Chairman of ADC / Churachandpur Langkhanpau Guite will be the chief host of the celebration. Besides, many high ranking officials, village chiefs and prominent citizens will also attend the much awaited Manipur Pineapple Festival.
As in the previous years, there will be ‘Pineapple Contest’ for farmers which to be examined by experts from the fields.
The winners of Pineapple Contest will be richer with a cash prize of Rs 40,000 for 1st position, Rs 30,000 for 2nd and Rs 20,000 for 3rd prize winner, said the working chairman. There will also be consolation prizes for other participants in the contest.
An attraction of the festival will be ‘Pineapple Bazar’ where buyers can buy different types of pineapple at the celebration venue.
The celebration will feature cultural performances, besides well – known artists of the state will storm the state with their numbers. The night shift is set to witness ‘Pineapple Musical Concert’ for promotion of pineapple as a viable economic development of the state.
With its popularity gaining year after year, the Manipur Pineapple Festival is becoming an annual calendar event for the people of Manipur.
