Governor for inclusion of December 9 as State Orange Day in calendar
As observed every year, the 10th State Level Orange Festival kicked off at Longmai Common Ground, Noney in Tamenglong district with Governor of Manipur Dr Ashwani Kumar as chief guest. Chief Minister O Ibobi presided over the function and Deputy CM Gaikhangam was the chief host.
Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Lokeshwar, Deputy Speaker Preshaw Shimray, MLA RK Imo, MLA Sarat, MLA Thamarjit, MLA Kunjo, MLA Z Kikhonbou and MLA Jahemlung Panmei were also present as Guests of Honour.
In his speech, Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar said that growing of fruits, flowers and vegetables could change the economic profile of the people, not only in this district but, in the entire state. As a native of the hill state of Himachal Pradesh, he has seen the horticultural revolution take place in the state. It has brought about prosperity and happiness to the hill people in his state. Such festivals can help increase the income of farmers, traders, shopkeepers and agriculture labourers. The state needs to establish farms and factories, which can help produce, preserve, pack and market the best quality of fruits and farm products.
He said that he like the colour of oranges grown in the district, which is similar to the top most colour Indian National flag – A mix of yellow and red, with a touch of saffron. He also said that the taste of Tamenglong’s orange is different and very refreshing, making it one of the best table varieties. Because of its distinctive quality, efforts should be made for its registration under the Geographical Indicators with the appropriate authorities so that it is certified and recognized throughout the country, he said and expressed his hope that the experts of the State Government and the Central Agriculture University are providing the necessary technical guidance in this direction.
He further said that Orange Festivals in other parts of the world are held in June or July. However, he find it surprising for Manipur to arrange Orange Festival in December, having a unique touch. December 9 every year should be made sacrosanct for all times to come as the date of Tamenglong Orange Festival. He also stressed to show the date in the official calendars of Manipur Government in orange colour always so that everyone knows in advance about the famous oranges of Tamenglong.
He also said that whenever progressive farmers have 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-farmer. 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. 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 the first duty of every person to take care of the weak and the poor.
He further appealed to leaders and organizations, whether overground 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.
Chief Minister, O Ibobi said that the government is planning to implement an extension programme to increase the produce of orange in Tamenglong district in collaboration with scientists of ICAR and CAU. Apart from Orange, the government is also putting its efforts in increasing the products of lemon in Ukhrul district, ginger in Churachandpur district and pineapple in Imphal East district, all of which have a different taste from products available in other places. Besides, the government is also planning to install a Cold Storage Unit in the hill areas to store the fruit products and make them available throughout the year.
He appealed to the people of the state to refrain from causing disturbances to the developmental projects and normal life by calling bandhs, general strike and blockade. Instead of creating such disturbances, they should talk with the government and translate their demands into action as per the capability of the government.
He further said that the state government is paying special attention in the hill areas in taking up developmental projects since 90 percent of the total area of Manipur consists of hill areas. Around 80 percent of the total amount of PMGSY is utilized in the hill districts. Besides, the government is also putting its efforts in developing the hill areas in term of health, education, road communications etc.