Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jan 24: Vedavyasa Kamath, MLA of Mangaluru inaugurated the three-day Annual fruit and flower show being held under the joint auspices of Siri Horticulture Association, district administration, department of Horticulture and Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat at Kadri Park on Friday, January 24.

Speaking on the occasion, Vedavyasa Kamath said, “Public has to visit exhibitions of this kind in order to know the value of organically manufactured fruits and flowers. In addition, many stalls in this exhibition are put up by self-help groups, which need the support of the general public.

Products of horticulture, value-added, organic, farm equipment and tools, fertilizers and seeds, and stalls by nursery companies are eye-catching in this exhibition. The exhibition also has models of mushroom cultivating method, drip irrigation and cut flowers.

Huge crowd was observed near the stalls selling natural ice creams made of areca nut, mango, chili and other products. Stalls selling seeds also made brisk business. However, though the space was arranged for more than 150 stalls, very few were occupied.

From 3 pm to 4 pm On January 25, a competition is organized for students of schools by the Horticulture department, in which the participants have to identify the seeds of flowers, vegetables and fruits.

The entry fee is Rs 10 for students and children between the ages of 12 to 18 years. Adult tickets are priced at Rs 20. The exhibition entry is free for children accompanied by their school teachers as well as for differently-abled students and children.

Ivan D’Souza, MLC, H R Nayak, deputy director of horticulture department, Dr R Selvamani, CEO, zilla panchayat and DC Sindhu B Rupesh were present on the occasion.