Orange growers have their day
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Tamenglong, December 17, 2011:
As many as 268 orange growers participated in the orange competition held as part of the 8th State level Orange Festival 2011 today at Tamenglong Mini Stadium.
T Phungzathang Tonsing, Minister Power, Horticulture and Science & Technology, Government of Manipur graced the festival as Chief Guest.
D.D Thaisii, Minister Education & YAS, Brigadier Jairam, Chief Engineer BRO and Sanjeev Chopra, IAS Joint Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation Mission Director of NHM, GoI were also present as Guests of Honour while Col PDK Pillai, Defense Special, NSC to PMO and Dr.Mohammad Sajjad Hassan, IAS Special Secretary Planning as special invitees.
Speaking at the occasion, Phungzathang Tonsing said that Orange production in the state is very good and Tamenglong is most suitable for Orange cultivation in the Manipur.
The Minister observed that the state government has been taking up necessary steps to prevent Orange plants from decaying and reduction of in Orange production.
At the initiative of the state government, the government of India has also provided development package to enhance Orange growers and increase the production in the state, he said, adding that the fund would be utilized by next year.
Though no new development package was announced, Col.PDK Pillay Defense Special, NSC to PMO informed that gathering that Longdi Pabram village of Tamenglong district and central government have signed a bamboo mission agreement to uplift the economy of the poor people.
He also appeals to all to refrain from all violence and maintain peace.
Other special invitees Dr.Mohammad Sajjad Hassan, IAS Special Secretary Planning also spoke at the occasion and assured that the Planning Department will do what the government of India, district administration and state government proposed for the welfare of the people.
In his address, Brigadier Jairam, Chief Engineer BRO said that PWD has handed over the Tamenglong- Khongsang road to BRTF and the widening of the road would be started soon.
He also announced that black topping of Tamenglong to Longdi Pabram village will be undertaken by BRTF.
Meanwhile, Rapanlung Chairman of Akhui Village Authority has informed that the Orange growers are all extremely poor and could not produce large quantity of Oranges.
He appealed to the government of India to provide marketing facilities by constructing road connectivity linkage between the villages and the district HQs.
In competition, the prize for Best Orange production was bagged by stall No.55 of Namgujei of Namlalong village while Stall No 237- RK Hukiu of Farmland, stall No 93- Pousokguibou of Phellong and stall No 141- Guangsuiliu of Dailong respectively bagged the second, the third and the fourth prizes.