The state-level Orange Festival has returned to Tamenglong district after a two-year break triggered by the conflict in Manipur, bringing renewed economic hope to hundreds of local orange growers.

The 18th edition of the festival began on December 17 at the district mini stadium and will conclude today. Organised by the Manipur government, the event seeks to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods while promoting Tamenglong as a tourism destination centred on its GI-tagged orange.

For growers, the revival of the festival is more than a cultural celebration. It has reopened a crucial marketing platform at a time when selling produce has remained challenging. Several farmers manning stalls said the festival allows them to sell oranges directly to consumers without middlemen, an opportunity that was largely unavailable during the two-year hiatus.

Despite the positive mood, participation remains lower than in previous editions. Growers attributed the reduced footfall to prevailing law and order concerns that have discouraged visitors, especially from Imphal, from attending. Many said the festival would have been more meaningful if people from all parts of the state could participate freely.

Additional District Magistrate Chunglenmang Kipgen said attendance so far has been encouraging, with visitors coming from different districts. He also acknowledged past criticism that cultural events, including the orange queen contest, had overshadowed farmers’ issues. This year, he said, the focus was deliberately shifted towards growers by expanding farmer-centric programmes.

In addition to sales stalls, the festival features seminars on orange cultivation aimed at improving skills and productivity. Cultural and recreational activities have also been expanded, with performances by eight bands from Manipur and other states, art and literature programmes, indigenous wrestling, land and water sports, trekking, camping, and expeditions to Tharon Cave.

A civil society leader from Tamenglong said the festival has long played a key role in promoting sustainable orange farming and tourism in the district and expressed hope that it would help Tamenglong oranges reach wider national and international markets.

Tamenglong orange, which received the Geographical Indication tag in 2017, accounts for more than half of Manipur’s total orange production. With increasing emphasis on organic cultivation, it continues to be a vital source of income for farmers across the district.