SENAPATI, NOVEMBER 28: The 7th Manipur State Level Kiwifruit Festival was inaugurated today at Oinam Hill village in Senapati district for a two-day programme. The festival was inaugurated by Thaithuilung Pamei, IAS, Commissioner, Horticulture & Soil Conservation and Member Secretary, EBADA & BRVDB, Govt. of Manipur, who attended as the chief guest. Yeite Khupaorel Koireng, Joint Director, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Govt. of Manipur, and S.R. Marson Anal, MFS, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Senapati, attended as guests of honour. N. Benjamin Tao, President, Tribal Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (TICCI), Manipur Chapter, served as the functional President.
In his welcome address, P.N. Heli, President of the Senapati Producers Organisation of Organic Kiwifruit (SPOOOK), highlighted the promising prospects of kiwifruit cultivation in Senapati district. He said the climatic conditions and agronomic characteristics of the region are highly suitable for kiwifruit cultivation, to which farmers at the grassroots have responded enthusiastically. He noted that the widespread adoption of kiwifruit cultivation in villages such as Thingba Khunou, Thingba Khullen, Oinam Hill, Purul, Koide, Liyai, Tunjoy, Tunggam, Lakhamai, Chowainamei, Songsong, Pudunamei, Kalinamei, Makhan and several others stands as a testament to Senapati district’s potential to become the “Kiwifruit Capital of Manipur.”
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He further stated that since most farmers in the district depend entirely on agriculture for livelihood, promoting kiwifruit cultivation is essential as it can boost farmers’ income, create employment and support the government’s efforts towards poverty alleviation. The 7th Manipur State Level Kiwifruit Festival 2025 is being organised by SPOOOK with the vision of encouraging kiwifruit cultivation through on-farm demonstrations, producer-buyer linkages and the promotion of agro-tourism, he added.
Functional President N. Benjamin Tao urged the state government to prioritise kiwifruit cultivation as an alternative crop at a time when the government is attempting to eliminate marijuana and poppy cultivation. Citing the success of kiwifruit plantations in the region, he questioned why the government should not give more importance to such promising agricultural ventures. Guest of honour S.R. Marson, MFS, remarked that proper planning combined with concrete action can yield fruitful outcomes.
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Speaking as the chief guest, Commissioner Thaithuilung Pamei, IAS, said the department has recognised the potential and suitability of kiwi plantation in the region and is gradually implementing projects aimed at establishing kiwifruit plantations for long-term economic prosperity. He stated that the region is being sponsored under MOMA and MIDH and that the NEC financial advisor has sanctioned funds for organising the festival.
He encouraged the organisers to approach the Farmer Producers Company for assistance and funding to further promote kiwi farming. While Ukhrul district is known for avocado cultivation, he noted that Senapati district can similarly promote kiwifruit cultivation by approaching the concerned authorities. Improved kiwi production, he said, could significantly enhance farmers’ income in the region. The Commissioner also urged parents to encourage their children to pursue studies in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and biotechnology instead of restricting themselves to engineering or medical fields, especially when many youth remain unemployed due to lack of practical skills.
Addressing the media after the programme, N. Benjamin Tao, President of TICCI, Manipur Chapter, emphasised the need for the government to encourage farmers to plant more kiwifruit and persimmon in the hill areas. He pointed out that people in the hill regions have long relied on marijuana and poppy cultivation and that kiwifruit and persimmon are viable alternative cash crops that can replace such practices while supporting livelihoods. He appealed to the Govt. of Manipur and the Tribal Ministry of India to promote the cultivation of kiwifruit and persimmon across the region.
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Around 60 stalls were set up for inspection during the event. The festival will continue on the second day with technical sessions, field demonstrations and hands-on training conducted by subject experts.
