Barring a shower late on Saturday, the two-day 55th Annual Fruit Show of the Department of Horticulture which concluded at the Sim’s Park in Coonoor on Sunday went off without a hitch.
About 32,000 visitors enjoyed the event.
At the valedictory function, the Nilgiris Collector Archana Patnaik, who was the chief guest, said that the show was more attractive than the 54th one and commended the organisers who had put in a great deal of effort.
She announced that permanent galleries for displaying exhibits would come up in Sim’s Park before the Summer of 2014.
Chairman, Coonoor Municipal Council, C. Gopalakrishnan and the Senate Member, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, K. R. Arjunan, were among those who spoke.
Joint Director of Horticulture, G. Mohan, welcomed the gathering.
Assistant Director of Horticulture S. Shibila Mary proposed a vote of thanks.
Over 50 prizes including seven rolling cups apart from cash awards were given.
The prize for the best fruit garden over one acre was bagged by Mujibur Rehman of Coonoor.
The cup for the garden with the maximum number of fruit varieties was lifted by Rani Lady Meyammai Achi of Chettinad. Pazhamuthir Solai, Coonoor, walked away with the trophy for the best collection in all varieties.
The trophy for the best collection of temperate fruits went to Abdul Kareem of Coonoor. S. Gopi of Coonoor won the prize for the best collection of sub tropical fruits.
The prize for the best fruit garden maintained by institutions and schools was won by the Saint Joseph’s Boys Higher Secondary School, Coonoor.
