Orange Festival held at Noney with great pomp
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Daniel Kamei / NNN

Tamenglong, December 14 2013 : Amidst tight security arrangement in view of the 48 hours bandh called by the United Naga Council (UNC), the 10th State Level Orange Festival, 2013 was organised with great pomp and show along with participation by as many as 225 orange growers at Longmai (Noney) public ground ground today.

Noney is located along National Highway 37 about 41 miles west of Imphal.

In the competition for best orange producer, which was organised as part of the festival, the first prize of Rs 1.50 lakh was bagged by Asin Gonmei of Tamenglong Ward No.IV.

The second prize of Rs 1 lakh was secured by Kadijian of Longmai (Noney) while Akhon Gonmei of Khongsang village went home richer by Rs 75 for the third prize.

Governor of Manipur and Nagaland Dr.Ashwani Kumar was the chief guest of the inaugural function of the festival, which was attended Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, MLA of 53-Tamenglong (ST) AC Janghemlung Panmei , MLA of 52-Tamei (ST) AC Kikhonbou Newmai, MLA of Konthoujam AC K Sarat Sing, MLA of Sagolband AC RK and MLA of Hiyanglam AC M Kunjo among others including Government officials.

Orange Festival held at Noney with great pomp

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar categorically stated that bandhs and economic blockades deny social justice and appealed to all concerned not to deny the fruits of hard labour of the poor people.

"History has been witnessed to the fact that whenever progressive farmers tried to break new ground they have had to overcome huge obstacles and obstructions placed in their path.

Bandhs, blockades and boycotts of fruit and farm products are anti-farmers.

Calls for such disruptions adversely affect the income of poor farmers and deny economic and social justice to the families who have put in hard labour for many months to produce these wonderful crops," the Governor said.

He went on to point out that the Constitution of India, in the preamble itself, mentions Justice of three types �Social Justice; Economic Justice and Political Justice.

The Constitution also guarantees freedom of expression, dissent and demonstration as well as equality of opportunity to all.

"All these have to be achieved in a harmonious and balanced manner.

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

It must be remembered that the daily wage earners have to feed their families, back home, through their meager earnings.

Calls for demonstrations and disruption hurt the poor people the most, whereas, it is our first duty to take care of the weak and the poor," the Governor stated.

"My appeal is to all these elements, leaders and organizations, whether over ground or underground, whether political or non-political to refrain from causing economic loss to farmers and denying the fruits of hard labour to the poor people.

It is the duty of all of us, especially the Government, to ensure that there is full liberty of movement and employment," the Governor appealed.

Acknowledging that it has a unique taste, the Governor also stressed on the need to promote Tamenglong oranges.

"I have been informed that the Tamenglong orange is of the Mandarin type and it has many unique characteristics.

The fruit scientists and food technologists have been describing many of its excellent qualities to me.

But I will tell you, what I like most about the oranges.

First of all, I like the colour of oranges grown in the district.

The colour is similar to the top most colour in our National flag.

A combination of yellow and red colors, with a touch of saffron.

The second thing, I love about Tamenglong orange is its taste.

The taste is absolutely different and I find it very refreshing.

I think it is one of the best table varieties.

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

I hope the experts from the Departments of State Government and Central Agricultural University are providing the necessary technical guidance in this direction," Dr Ashwani added.

In his speech, Chief Minister O Ibobi promised to construct guest house cum auditorium at Khumji village.

He also promised that Longmai (Noney) police station will be upgrade into full fledged police station and added that Longmai (Noney) will be converted into business centre.

Encouraging the orange growers, the Chief Minister said that the Congress Government and experts are working very hard to extend financial help to the orange growers during natural calamity and also help in increase orange production in the district.

The Government is also looking for a common marketing centre either at Noney or Tamenglong HQs, so that the orange growers can sell their production, Ibobi disclosed.

He also informed that under the inclusive infrastructure development of Hill Area, Rs 3 crores has been sanctioned and necessary works are being taken up on full swing.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister said that the Primary Health Sub-centre at Nony would be upgraded into a Rural Hospital and the required specialist doctors would be posted.

Reacting to the bandh called by UNC, the Chief Minister said that bandh, blockade won't bring solution and if there is any problem, then it should be resolved through table talks.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said that only peace and unity alone can bring development in the region.

He also appealed to stop bandh culture and turn into the work culture.