Asem Bhakta Singh
Northeast Correspondence
Imphal: The first Vegetable Festival 2026 was inaugurated today at Khoijuman Khullen Playground in Bishnupur district by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, highlighting the area’s significant contribution to vegetable production in Manipur.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the inaugural function, the Minister said Khoijuman accounts for 19.75 per cent of the state’s total vegetable production. Expressing optimism about the area’s agricultural potential, he said efforts would be made to increase its contribution to 25 per cent by next year, marking a rise of 5.25 percentage points.
The Minister informed that on October 24th, he had invited three agricultural scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Baramati, Pune, for a week-long interaction with farmers from Kawasiphai, Khoijuman, Nachou, Toubul and Potshangbam villages of Bishnupur district. The interaction was aimed at providing scientific guidance and improving agricultural practices among farmers.
Emphasising the importance of a
comprehensive State Agriculture Policy, he said effective implementation of such a policy would strengthen the local economy and ensure greater benefits for farmers. He described the vegetable festival as an important initiative to showcase locally produced vegetables and provide farmers with a direct marketing platform to connect with consumers.
Highlighting infrastructure development, the Minister said cold storage facilities had been constructed at Kawasiphai, including facilities with a reported capacity of 5 metric tonnes. He also mentioned the development of separate storage chambers for vegetables and fish.
Expressing happiness over the organisation of the first-ever vegetable festival in the area, the Minister stressed the need to promote organic vegetable cultivation and sustainable agricultural practices to enhance production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
The festival was organised by the Khoijuman Apunba Chaokhat Thourang Lup (KACTL). A total of 59 stalls were set up at the festival, including five stalls reserved for internally displaced persons (IDPs), providing them an opportunity to showcase and market their products.
The inaugural function was presided over by Irengbam Nalini Devi, Hon’ble MLA, Oinam Assembly Constituency, while Thongam Shanti Singh, Hon’ble MLA, Moirang Assembly Constituency, attended as the guest of honour.
Bishnupur Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam, IAS; Thaithuilung Pamei, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur; Heisnam Balkrishna Singh, IAS, Project Director, Loktak Development Authority, Government of Manipur; Chandra Shekhar Singh, Commandant, 8th Battalion, CRPF, DC Complex, Bishnupur; and Ksh. Ravikumar Singh, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Bishnupur, were among those present at the inaugural function.
The three-day Vegetable Festival will be held from November 5 to 7, 2026. It is organised by KACTL with the support of the District Administration, Bishnupur.
