The Agriculture Department and the State Horticulture Mission will organise an international horticulture expo here from December 2 to 6.
The Horti expo 2010 will showcase value-added products made from ornamental plants, vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants, spices, tubers and honey and related agricultural practices.
International companies such as Anthura, Holland; Jiffy Plugs, Sri Lanka; Albani e Ruggieri, Italy, and Ginegar Plastic, Israel, will participate in the expo besides the Indian Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Coconut Development Board and Coir Board.
Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran told the media that more than 200 institutions would be joining the exhibition. About 200 air-conditioned and non air-conditioned stalls were being readied for them. The objective was to introduce people to new techniques and specialisations in the field of horticulture.
The Minister said the main attraction of the expo would be a floral arrangement ‘Paitruka Keralam' being prepared by experts in flower arrangement in the country to introduce Keralites to various aspects of flower arrangement. The ultimate objective was to tap the potential for cultivation and marketing of flowers in the State.
Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan would inaugurate the expo at Chandrasekharan Nair stadium on December 2 at a function to be attended by Ministers and others. A seminar on future farming would be held in connection with the expo on December 3 and 4. Besides, competitions would be organised in flower arrangement, vegetable carving and cookery. Variety entertainment programmes would be held in the evenings.
Mr. Ratnakaran said that about one-lakh persons were expected to visit the expo. Entry would be restricted with passes (Rs.25).
