The two-day 53rd Fruit Show, organised by the Department of Horticulture, concluded at the Sim's Park in Coonoor, on Sunday. About 25,000 tourists from various parts of the country and some foreigners witnessed the show.
District Revenue Officer S. Kuppusamy said that for the first time, 10 districts had participated in the show. The conclusion of the Fruit Show marked the end of the Summer Festival in the Nilgiris. The Joint Director of Horticulture in-charge J. Haldorai welcomed the gathering. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Coonoor, Gandhimathi also spoke.
The Assistant Director of Horticulture N. Mani proposed a vote of thanks. Mr. Kuppusamy distributed prizes to those who had excelled in various competitions organised as part of the Fruit Show. Five rolling cups and 40 other prizes apart from cash awards were given away. The rolling cup for the best collection of sub-tropical and temperate fruits was won by S. Gopi of Coonoor.
The prize for the best collection of tropical fruits was bagged by Pazhamuthir Solai, Coonoor. A. Mujibur Rehman of Coonoor won the prize for the best maintained private fruit farm between one and two acres. The prize for the best maintained fruit garden below one acre went to Sivalingam of Yedakkadu. St. Joseph's Boys Higher Secondary School, Coonoor, claimed the prize for the best maintained fruit garden attached to schools and public institutions.
