Thus the district has become the highest producer of pineapple in a season (70 lakh pineapples) in Manipur followed by Thoubal (45 lakhs) and Senapati districts (40 lakhs).

 

Moirang in Bishnupur district and Churachandpur town and Imphal are the main Pineapple markets. However lamenting over the ‘stagnant price’ of the fruit in Manipur markets, farmers want an immediate fixation of its rate at not less than Rs 10 per kilogram.

“Pineapple is the only successful horticulture fruit cultivated in Manipur since the King Paikhomba period.” Gin Gangte, Secretary, Manipur. Pineapple Festival Committee said. Since that time, this fruit has become the largest amount of fruit produced in the state, far ahead of orange and lemon which have their own places after their annual festivals.

Over the years Manipur has been producing pineapples at about 10,000 tonnes per hectare which for itself indicates that the state is indeed the highest producer and exporter of the fruit in the country. In view of its large scale production besides historical background, the MPFC has been requesting Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh to declare Pineapple as the state fruit.

Manipur has two types of pineapples-Queen and Giant kew. Queen pineapple is available in Thoubal district while Giant kew is available in other districts. The Thoubal variety last till the end of July while others continue to be available till the end of August.

In a brief chat with Eastern Panorama, the young and dynamic organizer Gangte said, “Ours is a people’s movement not a mere festival as every farmer contributes for the future of pineapple. But we need a budgetary provision from the state government for the empowerment of our farmers.” The Centre and state governments should think about state’s bright horticulture prospects when the nation talks about it’s Look East Policy.” He added that the state can not remain a silent spectator.

On the concluding day of the festival 21 year old Khangembam Romila of Mongshangei locality in Manipur’s Imphal West district was crowned the coveted Manipur Pineapple Queen, 2009 title.

Pebam Rabina, aged 18 of Ningomthong also from Imphal West district was declared the first runner-up while Lily Lamhoichong Haokip, aged 20 of Zalenmun village, Churachandpur was adjudged the second runner-up defeating 15 other striking damsels.

The new pineapple queen walked home richer by Rs 20,000 while the first and second runners-up were awarded Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively. Other winners were Monica Irom (beautiful hair), Thiyam Bidyaluxmi (beautiful smile), Maikam Anjali (beautiful eye), Lily Lamhoichong (Miss Personality), and Kh Romila (best pineapple promoter).

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaikhangam, Congress MLAs Govindas Konthoujam, M Prithiviraj were the Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively of the show while the host of the programme was local MLA T Manga Vaiphei.

The presence of Manipuri film stars like RK Amarjeet, Kaiku and Devita was another crowd puller. Besides many artists like Muon, Jem, Mang, Maxy Minthang, T Baby Kom have entertained the gathering with their moving and lively numbers.

Pineapple farmers have, at least for the day, forgotten the monotonous chore of farming and found the chance to lay their dreariness to rest. The Kom Cultural Dance and Research Centre, Khoirentak village had also presented the colourful cultural dance of the Komrem. The festival came to an end with the hope of meeting again next year on a more impressive note.