Orange festival begins in Manipur

Tamenglong/ Imphal, Dec 15 (UNI) The Orange festival began today at Manipur's Tamenglong district headquarters.

Governor Dr SS Sidhu inaugurated the two day festival as Chief Guest.

Orange show were held to attract visitors to the district and an Orange Queen contest, cultural programmes will be held tomorrow.

The Governor addressing the function said ''Orange is one of the citrus fruits, rich in vitamin, tasty and good for health. It has a great demand in the market not only in Manipur but also outside the State and in the international market.'' A large number of people in the District are earning their livelihood through plantation of this fruit. The fruit, is, really a gift of the nature to the people of Tamenglong. Large scale plantation of this fruit would go a long way in improving the economic condition of the people of this area, he added.

''The main problem, as we are all aware, is communication system through which transportation of goods is carried out. The people living in the interior parts of the District have to fetch their products to the District headquarters and State capital for sale,'' he further observed. Herein, lies the importance of good transportation system.

With the efforts of the Government, the problem faced by the people not only of Tamenglong but also of all other areas, particularly of those living in the interior parts of the State will be eased to a great extent he said.

Organising a festival of any kind provides an opportunity to the participants for exposition of their products and also to meet together and exchange ideas and experience in their respective fields.

The Governor also inaugurated a water supply scheme at the district.

He said Tamenglong is the most backward district in the state.

And, hence, the government has been taking up various schemes and projects for development through successive plans.

This composite Water Supply Scheme for Tamenglong District Headquarters, with an installed capacity of 1.10 MLD commissioned today, would help in resolving the problem of drinking water in this area.

UNI NS JYN/src1925