Shillong, Dec 20: The residents of Shillong city for the first time get to taste and experience distinction of local oranges orange which were on displayed and showcased at the Orange festival 2012 conducted by the government of Meghalaya, East Khasi Hills District Arts and Culture society in collaboration with the District Horticulture office, East Khasi Hills Shillong, Synjuk Development SHG Nongsteng, Riti Academy of Visual Arts and the Meghalaya Rural Development Society at Polo ground on Thursday.
The one-day orange festival conducted as part of celebrating the year of Horticulture attracted fruit lovers who want to get the taste of the delicious varietie
s of the local oranges famously known as the Khasi Mandarin.
Varieties of local oranges ranging brought from different parts of the state were on displayed at the festival. All together more than hundred team of participant from different part of the states took part at the festival with an inflow of more than 25,000 oranges. The so-called or Cherra Orange grown in orchards from the sub-tropical ri-War region in the southern slopes of sohra and has derived its credibility of being the best oranges at the festival.
Besides, the best quality oranges has been ascribed to that of Nongsteng, Mawphu, Umblai, Kunongrim, Mawkliaw and other adjoining villages in Sohra region also in Pynursla region the oranges from Wahkhen, Nongblai, Shuhim, Nongkwai, Mynre, Nohwet, Umnuih Tmar, Nongjri and Pynter. Oranges grown in the MAwkynrew areas of Nongjrong, Nongryngkoh and Mawlat as well as those grown in moderate orange plantation at Garo Hills and some parts of West Khasi Hills and ri Bhoi region were on displayed.
Apart from showcasing distinction of Khasi mandarin oranges some agro products with emphasis on citrus fruits were also on displayed.
To enlighten the spirit of the visitors and fruit lovers folk and modern Musical extravaganzas featuring various local artists add to the beauty of the festival.
It may be mentioned here that the aimed of the festival is to promoting and showcasing to the world the famous local oranges well known by the name Khasi Mandarin grown abundantly in Khasi and Jaintia Hills besides it is also aimed at capacity building and empowerment to farmers and local leaders on the tremendous benefits that can be acquired through orange farming.(SP News)
