Governor appeals to successfully expand pineapple export

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, August 23, 2019: Manipur governor Dr. Najma Heptulla appealed that very effort should be made by all concerned to expand pineapple export venue and make it a commercially successful venture saying that the fruit could rank as a good revenue earner for the state.

The governor attended the XIIth State Level Manipur Pineapple Festival held at Khousabung DCC Headquarters, Churachandpur district on Friday.

The festival was a celebration of the products of the pineapple farming communities of Khousabung area. It was an opportunity to show case their hard earned products, the very source of livelihood to more than 400 farming families.

Heptulla said the Manipur Pineapple Festival is held to empower the pineapple farmers, bring them to a common platform, search for viable markets, promote agro-tourism and generally foster the spirit of unity and brotherhood. In the 11 years since its inception, the festival is slowly but surely moving towards achieving its set objectives. It is common knowledge that pineapple is one of the most important horticulture crops in Manipur and a large number of people in the state are dependent on it for their livelihood, she added.

There are different varieties of pineapple like Queen, Kew found in the state and it is a favourite fruit for many because of its flavour and health quotient. There is a large potential for economic activity based on this horticulture crop to increase the income of the farmers. Demand is never an issue and there is a need to produce more, while simultaneously taking up processing so that the fruits remain available throughout the year to enhance its economic viability. The shelf life of the fruit is rather short and the transportation cost in the State is forbiddingly high and as such, while some percentage of this wonderful produce gets consumed in the state, plenty gets wasted, the governor said.

Suggesting for production of sundried pineapple slices for commercial purpose particularly to women folk, Heptulla said it is important to develop the easily marketable products like canned pineapple slices, concentrate, extract and in powder form so that the transportation cost comes down and the fruit in a good form is available to national and international consumers year round.

A souvenir of the Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee (MPFC), Manipur,‘2019 Footprints’ was released.

Cultural programmes were presented by several artistes and cultural troupes adding flavour to the festival.

The festival was organised by the Cabinet Committee of Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee, Manipur.