Moviegoers across the State can soon hope to sip tender coconut water as they watch their hero beat the villain to pulp, if the Horticulture Department’s appeal to theatre and multiplex owners gets a positive response.
To help farmers find wider marketing options, the Horticulture Department has written to the Deputy Commissioners of all districts to make it possible to sell tender coconuts on the premises of all theatres, including multiplexes.
Right on cue, Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru D. Randeep has issued an appeal to theatre owners in the city. He has, however, clarified that the authorities are not seeking to replace soft drinks with tender coconut water. “Theatre owners will be asked to make available space on the premises for sale of tender coconut also as an option,” he said.
The Horticulture Department’s communication follows a suggestion by M.K. Pranesh, an MLC from Chikkamagaluru, to the Horticulture Minister to prohibit sale of soft drinks in theatres and instead allow tender coconut to be sold.
Reservations
Theatre owners in Mysuru, however, do not appear to be too enthusiastic to the idea. President of Mysuru Film Theatres Federation Raja Ram told The Hindu that they would be meeting the Deputy Commissioner shortly to seek clarification on the proposal.
Mr. Ram wondered how theatre managements could arrange for disposal of empty coconut shells. “It will lead to an unhygienic situation in theatres, which can attract penal action from civic authorities,” Mr. Ram said. However, he said theatre owners were ready to serve packaged tender coconut water.
Chetan, Manager at DRC multiplex in Mysuru, said tender coconut water is preferred fresh by most. “It is difficult for us to provide fresh tender coconut water in a multiplex environment,” he said.
