Mango enthusiasts can exult as the best mango varieties, including the export variety Alphonso, will be available under one roof in Mysuru soon.
These mangoes are naturally ripened and cultivated in organic orchards, and therefore safe for consumption.
The Department of Horticulture has geared up to hold the Mango Mela at Curzon Park (adjacent to Mysuru palace) during the last week of May. A meeting with registered mango growers is in the offing to put up popular varieties at the mela.
The first mango mela took place in 2012, but it could not take place in 2013 due to low yield. Despite the off-year in 2014, the department in partnership with HOPCOMs went ahead with the mela, bringing farmers from districts like Ramanagaram, to provide a platform for making naturally-ripened mangoes available at the best price. Lst year’s mela was a big hit and the participants had a tough time meeting the demands of mango lovers.
Deputy Director of Horticulture H.M. Nagaraj told The Hindu that a meeting was held in Bengaluru in connection with the mango mela (at Lalbagh) and districts like Mysuru had been asked to finalise dates for the mela soon.
This year too, farmers from Ramanagaram may be invited to bring their produce, along with the growers from Mysuru, he added.
Only naturally-ripened mango varieties which have wide acceptance are permitted at the mela, he said.
Last year, a committee comprising scientists from the College of Horticulture, Mysuru and horticulture experts was constituted to ensure that chemically-ripened mangoes were not supplied for the mela.
The first mango mela in 2012 made a business of about Rs. 40 lakh in a span of three days. The second mela (2014) also made a roaring business.
This year, officials are hoping to attract more visitors by offering their tempting trump card – naturally-ripened, organically grown mangoes.
time to relish the king of fruit
Event will offer naturally-ripened mangoes from organic orchards
Mangoes will be put up for sale only after quality checks to ensure they are naturally ripened
In addition to Mysuru, growers from Ramanagaram will put up their produce
The mela registered a business of over Rs. 40 lakh in 2012
