DIPR
Imphal East , 8,
Minister CAF & PD, Revenue, Karam Shyam expressed that the pineapple festival at Andro gives it a distinct identity from the remaining 59 kendras of Manipur by the work culture, hard labour and economic empowerment of its people. He was speaking as Chief Guest at the closing ceremony of the four day 12th State Level Pineapple Festival cum Sellers & Buyers Meet and Youth Festival 2019 at Thambalnu Market Complex, Andro A/C, Imphal East today.
The festival that commenced on the 4th of this month was organized by Development Organisation Andro Kendra(DOAK) under the aegis of EBADA & MIDH(Horticulture & Science Department, Manipur. It was sponsored by the North Eastern Council(NEC), Government of India.
Minister, MAHUD, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Th.Shyamkumar; Deputy Chairman, State Planning Board, Manipur, MLA S.Rajen Singh; Deputy Chairman, Manipur Pollution Control Board, MLA L Radhakishore and Managing Director, Raj Medicity, Rajen Haobijam shared the dais with the Minister at the function as President and Guests of Honour respectively.
Tracing the history of Thambalnu stories of Andro, Minister Karam Shyam said that youths should learn lesson of love and sacrifice for the motherland and also try to inculcate the habit of proper utilization of time by knowing its value. They should try to move the society forward at a higher level by using their brains along with maintaining discipline and facing lives with a challenging mindset, he added.
He also mentioned that the pineapple festival at Andro gives a good platform for the youths to showcase their talents and potential. The organic pineapples produced at Andro are not only good for health and hygiene but also a rich source of antioxidants, he also said.
He also pointed out that we should learn from developed nations like Japan that share their advanced technology with other countries and generate income.
In his presidential speech, Minister Th.Shyamkumar said that the main theme behind organizing the pineapple festival is to impart education, moral character and a sense of discipline to the youths of the State. Stating that the pineapple festival will be organized as a one- time festival at the state level , he announced that farmers will be given Rs.20,000 each from his MLA local area development fund.
Giving a brief picture of Andro as a valuable tourist spot, MLA S.Rajen said that the present Government is taking initiative in producing organic vegetables, fruits and other foodstuffs free of chemicals & fertilizers.
MLA L Radhakishore also highlighted on the need-based areas of the public that the Government should take care of.
About 168 pineapple stalls, 31 canteens and 70 other stalls took part in the festival.
During the cultural evening of the function, Manipuri matam eshei thouram was presented followed by the 5th State Level Pineapple Queen 2019 contest
