Exotic fruits, veggies special at floral fest this time

Exotic fruits like passion fruit, Taiwan guava, persimmon, Thailand litchi, plum, and exotic vegetables like broccoli, leek, lettuce, Chinese cabbage, which are neither grown in this region nor regularly seen in the market, are now set to pull people's attention in Hubballi.

Exotic fruits and vegetables of foreign origin are among the major attractions at the three-day flower-fruit show which began at the Indira Glass House here on Friday. At the annual event aimed at creating better awareness among the citizens about urban horticulture, exotic fruits and vegetables are the new exhibits this time.

“They can be grown here too, but most of them need poly-house. We have brought them from Russell Market in Bengaluru,” said Assistant Horticulture Officer Vijaykumar Ryagi.

Colourful

With a total of 3,863 exhibits, including 2,690 pots, 778 cut flowers, 104 vegetables and 181 fruits, a mini botanical garden itself has descended on the Indira Glass House. Winning exhibits in the garden competitions conducted before the show are on display. They include bonsai plants, orchids, and flower rangoli also.

Gerbera, carnation, anthurium, bird of paradise, lilium, chrysanthemum, lotus, dahlia, and other flowers are pulling the attention, in addition to ornamental plants. A large variety of fruits and vegetables are also on display.

Artist Raju Sonane has prepared a model of nine feet-tall ‘Gandaberunda’ which is the official emblem of the State government. As much as 120 kg marigold, 30 kg button rose, and 300 Dutch rose flowers are used to prepare this.

Jagadishgouda Bhavikatti is displaying artefacts made of coconut shells. Vegetable carvings are also on display.

New methods

Growing vegetables in hydroponics and soil-less culture, which are suitable for urban vegetable gardening, are also being demonstrated in the exhibition.

Visitors are curiously looking at these models which show how plants can be grown in a very less space, using less water and no soil. These models are prepared by Dharwad-based Tulsi Agri Service.

Outside the exhibition hall, seeds, saplings, handicrafts, health products, food items, and other material are also being sold in different stalls. A map of the circuit of tourism places in the twin cities has also been displayed.

Inauguration

Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar inaugurated the flower-fruit show organised by District Administration, Horticulture Department, Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), and other agencies. MLC Somanna Bevinamarad, A G Deshpande, Shankar Kumbi, and others were present.

Later, MLC Basavaraj Horatti, Zilla Panchayat (ZP) President Chaitra Shirur, and others also visited the exhibition.