Food festival kicks off
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 10 2010:
With the objective of attracting tourists, Manipur will be henceforth called as "Little Paradise", PHED and Tourism minister TN Haokip said today, speaking as chief guest at the opening function of the 3rd Food Festival.
The festival at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound organized by the Innovative Development Association will continue till November 16.A total of 50 stalls catering different local delicious food items are taking part in the festival.
Tourism minister TN Haokip who graced the function as chief guest asserted that food is an indispensable part of tourism industry and expressed concern over the vanishing of many delicious food items of the state.
Since the commission of the Ethai Barrage, pengba is no longer found in plenty.
Likewise many other indigenous fishes like Ngakra, Ukabi and others are on the verge of extinction.
In this regard some fish farmers who are trying to preserve and propagate them by their individual efforts with artificial breeding techniques are to be lauded and should be encouraged by all, he said.
Observing that the quantity of production of yongchak, a much desired vegetable item is reducing, he said this is unfortunate.
Experts need to find a way to save the yongchak from dying he stressed.
Ngari and Soibum which are among the oldest delicious items of South East Asia should be exported using scientific methods of packing.
This will not only increase the popularity of the indigenous food item but can also earn good foreign exchange money, Haokip said.
Art and culture director, K Sobita who attended as guest of honour in the inaugural function said that the food habit of the people of a place is closely related with the culture of a people.
Keeping this in mind, today's generation should preserve the traditional food items of the state.
MPCC general secretary, Jotin Waikhom who presided over the function observed that when a society that makes efforts to preserve and uplift itself will be the forerunner in the development race.
Special items of cakes, breads, biscuits of Chakhao, yoo atingba of Sekmai and Andro, special items of sandang, beef, pig, chicken, etc.
are some of the attractive items in the third edition of the Innovative Development Association's Food Festival which is being participated by 50 stalls.