Day: September 2, 2012

Mail News Service NNN
Imphal, Sep 2 : Yambem Pushparani Devi (17) of Uripok won the Miss Pineapple Queen at the 5th State Level Pineapple Festival Miss Pineapple Contest 2012 on Saturday held at Sendra Mela ground. Hawaibam Penky of Lilong Chajing and Tingminkim Chongloi of Kangpokpi won the 1st runners up and 2nd runners up titles respectively. The Pine Apple queen was given Rs 50,000, first runners up Rs 40000 and second runners up Rs 30000.
The two day-long “5th State Level Pineapple Festival 2012″ dedicating to the people of Manipur which was held with an aim to promote large-scale cultivation of the fruit in the state organised by Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee concluded at Sendra, an attractive tourist spot in the district of Bishnupur, Manipur yesterday.
Speaking on the second day of the festival, Manipur Home Minister Gaikhangam underlined the need of scientific mode of pineapple cultivation and large-scale production of the fruit which is called ‘Kihom’ in the state.
“Such festival will not only serve to encourage pineapple cultivators but creat a work culture for all the farmers of other fruits,” said Gaikhangam who also holds the posts of Horticulture and TD (Tribal Development).
Gaikhangam also assured that he will try his level best to provide adequate financial assistance to pineapple plantations by joining hands with the state Horticulture Department and the Government as well.
A vast land area of Manipur mainly the gentle and rolling hill slopes are very good for commercial cultivation of pineapple. The agro-climate of Manipur is suitable for this crop.
During the festival, a souvenir entitled “Footprints 2012″ was also released by Gaikgangam marking the ocassion. IFCD Minister Ngamthang Haokip, RD & PR Minister Francis Ngajokpa, MLAs Y Surchandra, Yamthong Haokip, Victor Keishing, T Manga Vaiphei, T Mangibabu and 33 Assam Rifles CO Colonel N Bhardwaj also attended the event.
Certificates were given to the best three women pineapple producers for this year, namely Taiboi of Khoushabung village, Chongthiyam of Bunglon village and T Shenu, also from the village of Bunglon.
Home Minister Gaikhangam also had a glance of all the pineapple stalls participating in the festival and also interacted with pineapple cultivators.
The concluding day of the pineapple festival was held in two separate sessions–morning session and evening session. In the evening session, glittering cultural programme including music and the Manipur Pineapple Queen Contest were held.
Altogether 24 contestants took part at the pineapple queen contest. At the beauty contest, which included six sub-titles, five aspirant pineapple queens were selected in the final round for the title.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pushparani-crowned-miss-pineapple-queen/