Three day 'Pineapple Festival' starts in Imphal

Imphal, July 14 (ANI): Manipur is hosting its third state level pineapple festival to bring farmers on a common platform and facilitate open marketing for them.he three-day festival began Tuesday and will conclude on Friday.

The festival is being held in Imphal with the effort of Andro Kendra Development Committee.

About 120 stalls of pineapples produced by about 400 to 500 farmers have been put up at the festival.

"Earlier, the bulk selling was not frequent for the farmers due to lack of open and direct marketing. This is the third time, the festival has organized and the result is positive. More buyers are approaching farmers which has led to increase in the demand of the fruit," said Fakaruddin, President, Andro Kendra Development Committee.

Chief guest Ng. Bijoy Singh, MLA, Imphal inaugurated the festival along with Ibohanbi Singh, MLA, Thoubal and other dignitaries of the state.

They also inaugurated a mini fruit processing plant during the festival.

"This event is organized to help poor pineapple farmers with the objective of improving the economic condition of the state," said Fakaruddin, President, Andro Kendra Development Committee.

Imphal East and Thoubal districts are the largest producers of pineapples in the state. (ANI)