The 12-day Maavu Mela ended on Sunday on a happy note for both growers and visitors. If growers were able to sell their produce directly to consumers that fetched them good price, the people were happy that they could purchase chemical-free quality mangoes.
During the mela, 160 tonnes of mangoes were sold registering a turnover of ₹ 1.5 crore.
People from all strata of society visited the stalls, had a glimpse of a variety of mangoes on display and also relished their taste.
The mela was organised under the joint aegis of the Department of Horticulture and Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation. Several varieties of mangoes grown locally and also from other districts, including Benshen, Kesar, Apoos, Dasahari, Suvernarekha, Sindur, Chinnarasam, Peddarasam, Raspoori, Mallika and raw mangoes for pickles, were on display and sale. Among these many varieties, Dasahari was very much in demand and was sold at ₹ 100 a kg followed by Kesar, Apoos, Raspoori and the pickle varieties.
“The main aim of organising the mela was to provide access to consumers to direct sales of quality mangoes that were ripened organically and also training growers on value addition and processing. To a possible extent, it was successful,” Krishna Ukkund, Deputy Director of Horticulture, said.
The mela was originally scheduled to conclude on May 15. But due to demand, it was extended by four more days. Sri Abhinava Gavisiddeshwar Swamiji of Gavimutt was the chief guest for the concluding function. He distributed certificates to growers who participated in the mela.
A technical workshop was also organised for growers in which experts explained the improved techniques of harvesting, processing, natural ripening without using chemicals to avoid health hazards, among other things.
