NONGPOH:
The 3rd Pineapple Festival by the Ri Bhoi Tourism and Environmental Forum (RBTEDF) made a successful comeback after being postponed due to Covid-19. The festival’s main aim is to boost pineapple farming and increase profits for Ri Bhoi farmers.
Held at the District Transport Officer’s office ground, the event was attended by Ampareen Lyngdoh, Agriculture Minister, and other dignitaries like Mayralborn Syiem, MLA of Nongpoh, Balajied Ranee, MDC, and RBTEDF Chairman Plielad Tiewsoh.
The festival showcased pineapples from Ri Bhoi known for their quality. Alongside, traditional performances and dances entertained the public.
Ampareen Lyngdoh praised RBTEDF’s efforts in organising the festival to promote pineapple farming. Ri Bhoi is also known for other crops and now has four cold storage facilities to prevent spoilage.
She mentioned government initiatives to support rural farmers and highlighted that Ri Bhoi’s pineapples are gaining global recognition and being exported. With farmer dedication and government support, Ri Bhoi’s pineapple cultivation is set to expand. Plans are underway for a processing unit to make pineapple-based juices and food products.
The festival featured 23 stalls with different pineapples, juices, and wines for the public to enjoy.