Imphal: Minister, Tribal Affairs & Hills, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Letpao Haokip has said that Manipur is a naturally gifted fertile state. We should have the knowledge for proper use of this fertile land.
Minister was speaking as Chief Guest on the occasion of the opening of the XVth State Level Manipur Pineapple Festival and Celebration of 75 Years of Pineapple Cultivation at Dr Kalam Ground, Bunglon High School Campus, Churachandpur District.
Letpao maintained that many of the people have less idea about income generation through plantation and cultivation. We have a fertile land which can grow varieties of plants and vegetables. One can generate income by offering cultivation as a profession instead of preferring white colour job. The vast areas covered by hills can be used as an economic booster if we have the right concept of cultivation.
The Minister suggested that we should have the habit of planting. Planting trees will help to save the earth. We need to protect our environment. The Horticulture Department will be taking care of the problems of the farmers. The government is always ready to supply necessary items to the farmers for cultivation, he added.
The Minister assured that a cold storage of 5 metric tons will be installed at Khousabung, Bunglon. Another 200 metric ton cold storage with 5mt of pre-cooling will be installed at Tvaison. 10 metric ton Staging Cold room will also be installed at Khousabung very soon.
Speaking as president, Health and IPR Minister Dr. S. Ranjan Singh said that the taste of the pineapple of the state is unique. The juicy pineapple of the state is preferred by the other states. Even export of the local pineapple has already begun, he added.
Minister, Social Welfare, H. Dingo Singh, MLA Letzamang Haokip, MLA Janghemlung Panmei, MLA, Chinlunthang, MLA J. Kumo Sha shared the dais as Guests of Honour. A monolith was also unveiled as a part of the festival.
