Horticulture Dept to distribute saplings

Senior Assistant Director B M Mallikarjun said the department will begin selling the saplings once their price is fixed.

The farmers had lost interest in growing coconut after they suffered loss due to rampant mite menace. However, Mallikarjun says, the ever increasing demand for coconut in the market, ensures stable income for farmers and measures can be taken to check the mite menace. He also suggested the farmers that they grow cashew as an alternative to mango.