Orange festival held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 14 2013 : The 10th State level Orange Festival 2013 was held today at Noney common ground under the theme 'Orange for Peace and Development' .

The festival where oranges and other horticultural/agricultural produces are exhibi- ted and put on sale also features Orange Queen Beauty Pageant as well as cultural dance and music programmes.

The function was graced by Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar, Chief Minister O Ibo-bi Singh and Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Gaikhangam, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister, as the chief guest, president and chief host respectively.

Many other Ministers, MLAs, district level officers and a large number of people attended the festival.

Speaking as chief guest at the opening function, Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar sta- ted that December 14, the day of orange festival, be shown in orange colour in the calendar so that everyone knows in advance about the famous oranges of Tamenglong.

Orange loads being put on display at the festival venue

"On browsing internet, I learnt that orange festivals are held in other parts of the world in June, July and January but our festival is held in December.

This is a significant difference and an impor- tant date in the annual calendar", Dr Ashwani remarked.

Oranges grown in Tame-nglong are of Mandarin type and it has many unique characteristics.

The taste is absolutely different and refreshing.

Its colour is again similar to the top most colour of the national flag.

Because of its distinctive quality, efforts need to be made for its registration under Geographical Indicators with the appropriate authorities so that it is certified and recognised throughout the country.

Experts from the departments of State Government and the Central Agricultural University should be roped in for their technical guidance in this direction, the Governor stated.

History has been witness to the fact that whenever progressive farmers tried to break new ground they have had to overcome huge obstacles.

Bandhs, blockades and boycotts of fruits and farm products are anti-farmer, he asserted.

The festival started at the district as a joint initiative of the Deputy Commissioner and local people in 2001 but it was upgraded to the level of a state level festival in 2004 .

For narrow political ends, socio-economic justice should not be denied to ordinary people, specially those living in small towns and villages.

The Governor further appealed to all those elements, leaders and organisations, whether over ground or under ground, whether political or non political to refrain from causing economic loss to farmers and denying the fruits of hard labour to the poor people.

In his address, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that a special intensive package for orange growers would be announced soon.

Noting that bandh called by certain Zeliangrong bodies ahead of the festival caused great inconveniences to orange growers, Ibobi stated that all cases of grievances and dissent can be resolved peacefully through dialogue.

Responding to a written appeal up grade Noney PHC to the status of a hospital, Ibobi assured that he would look into the appeal so that the same appeal can be put into action given Noney's strategic location within Tamenglong district.

Moreover, the appeals to upgrade Haochong and Awang Khul to the status of sub-divisions would be tabled in a Cabinet meeting together with similar appeals received from other districts.

As construction of Noney police station is now complete, it would be inaugurated shortly, Ibobi stated.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam decried that a bandh which looked like putting a ban on the festival was called ahead of the festival.

He appealed to all concerned to give up the habit of calling bandhs and blockades in pursuit of some demands.

All problems can be addressed through dialogue, he asserted, Altogether 273 stalls of oranges and other agricultural produces are opened in the festival.

Later best orange growers were selected and declared by ICAR/CAU.

Ashina Gonmei of Tamenglong, Kadijang of Noney and Abuan Golmei of Khongsang won the first three best orange growers titles.