Imphal: The 11th edition of the state-level pineapple festival-cum-sellers and buyers meet and youth festival was held at Thambalnu Market Complex, Poiroupat Lamkhai ,in Imphal East district.

The festival is organised by the Development Organisation, Andro Kendra, through the Eastern Border Area Development Authority.

Governor Najma Hepulla launched the festival. She also inaugurated a cold storage unit constructed under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, department of horticulture and soil conservation at the market complex.

Heptulla said pineapple is a good option of revenue generation for the state. She stressed on a concerted effort to increase production as well as its market.

Pineapple varieties like Queen and Kew, favoured by many for its flavour and health quotient, can be grown in large numbers to market it outside the state.

The sellers and buyers meet, which is a part of the festival, is an opportunity in the right direction. However, it is also important to develop the easily marketable products like canned pineapple slices, concentrate, extract and in powder form so that the transportation cost comes down, the shelf life increases and the fruit is available to national and international consumers the year round in a good form.

Heptulla expressed hope that pineapple growers will work to increase production and write the success story of the fruit.

The festival, which started in 2008, empowers farmers and brings them on a common platform, promoting agro-tourism and fostering the spirit of unity and brotherhood.

The governor also urged horticulture and soil conservation, forest and environment minister Th. Shyamkumar to avail of central schemes to develop and construct a market shed for the women vendors of Andro AC who sell their produce on the roadside.

The festival has 163 pineapple stalls, 54 other stalls and 32 food stalls run only by indigenous tribes from Andro AC.

Sanahanbi Loitongbam, a participant, said, "I have been farming organic pineapples for six years and have been taking part in the festival. There has been an increase in the demand for organic products and my production is gradually increasing every year. Last year, I earned Rs 36,000 and am expecting a better sale this year."