The return of the state-level Orange Festival to Tamenglong district has revived hopes of better income for hundreds of orange growers, following a two-year gap triggered by the conflict in Manipur.
The 18th edition of the festival got underway on December 17 at the district mini stadium and will conclude today. Organised by the Manipur government, the event is aimed at supporting local farmers while promoting Tamenglong as a tourism destination centred around its GI-tagged orange.
For many growers, the festival is more than a cultural celebration. It offers a much-needed market platform at a time when access to buyers has remained limited. Several farmers running stalls said the event allows them to sell their produce directly to consumers, cutting out middlemen — an opportunity that was largely absent during the past two years.
The overall mood at the venue has been upbeat, though participation is lower compared to earlier editions. Growers attributed the reduced turnout to ongoing law and order concerns, which have discouraged visitors, especially from Imphal. Many said the festival would have felt more meaningful if people from all parts of the state were able to attend freely.
Additional District Magistrate Chunglenmang Kipgen said attendance so far has been encouraging, with visitors coming in from different districts. He also acknowledged criticism from previous years that cultural events, including the orange queen contest, had taken priority over farmers’ issues. This time, officials have made a conscious effort to focus more on growers by expanding farmer-oriented programmes.
Apart from sales stalls, the festival includes seminars on orange cultivation aimed at improving productivity and farming practices. Cultural and recreational activities have also been widened, featuring performances by eight bands from Manipur and other states, art and literary events, indigenous wrestling, land and water sports, trekking, camping and expeditions to the Tharon Cave.
A local civil society leader said the festival has long played an important role in promoting sustainable orange farming and tourism in Tamenglong. He expressed hope that the renewed focus would help Tamenglong oranges find larger national and international markets in the future.
Tamenglong orange received its Geographical Indication tag in 2017 and contributes more than half of Manipur’s total orange production. With increasing emphasis on organic farming, the crop continues to be a key source of livelihood for farmers across the district.