On July 5th, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Th. Shyamkumar oversaw loading of pineapples at Imphal International Airport. Speaking at the airport, Shyamkumar said that pineapples produced in the state are sent outside the state including foreign countries in air freight since last year.
Developed countries as well as people residing in major cities of the country are highly conscious of health hazards posed by different food products. As such, they prefer agricultural and horticultural produces which have been certified as organic even though such produces are costlier.
At the same time, large quantities of pineapples produced in the state are wasted due to absence of processing facilities. That is why fresh pineapples are being exported. Shyamkumar said that exporting pineapples would enhance farmers’ incomes and it would not be wrong to say that the department’s efforts have started paying dividends.
This year, Big Basket based at Delhi ordered organic pineapples of the state in addition to the North East Agro. Accordingly, the state has started sending pineapples to different destinations outside the state.
Since three years, 1500 farmers have been cultivating pineapple varieties Queen and QC over 1500 hectares using organic methods at Khousabung, Bunglon, Andro, Thayong and Thoubal under MOVCDNER.
Source thesangaiexpress.com