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Planting fete a big hit

Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE: The ‘Thiruvathira Njattuvela and Nadeel’ initiative organised by the Calicut Agri-Horticultural Society at the Gandhi Park, Cherooty Road here from June 22 to 24 proved to be a big draw with the public.

The southwest monsoon was at its vigorous peak during these days and it enabled the organisers to conduct the fete in true traditional style. The stock of coconut, areca, banana and other fruit varieties was sold out.

“The Njattuvela fete was a big hit. City dwellers responded with an enthusiasm much beyond our expectations,” said secretary of the Society, Alex Ninan Kaithayil.

This is the first time that the Calicut Agri-Horticultural Society is organising the programme to coincide with the fortnight-long Njattuvela, the traditional agriculture practice of the State when the monsoon is at its peak. It is believed to be the ideal season for planting. Considering the overwhelming response, the festival would be conducted regularly now, organisers said.

District Collector A. Jayathilak launched the festival on Friday. Thirty varieties of trees were available for sale. The West Coast Tall coconut palm was brought from Kuttiadi on special order, while the Malaysian Yellow Dwarf (MYD) and Malaysian Red Dwarf (MRD) were brought from Coconut Board, Mysore.

In addition two varieties of pepper such as Kasaragodan and Mohit Nagar, local banana and plantain varieties procured from farmers here, sapota, cloves, mango, and nutmeg saplings were sold out. The first sale was inaugurated by Joseph Jacob, advocate.

Mr. Ninan said the objective was to provide high quality seeds and plant materials. This is also an effort to create awareness on agriculture and horticultural practices that needed to be conserved.

P. Vikraman, Principal Agriculture Officer, C.M. Pradeep Kumar, Assistant Commissioner of Police among others spoke at the inaugural programme.

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