Flowers in varied hues allure visitors

A ship, a vintage car, a kettle and teacup, an ice-cream cone, all made of various flowers, vegetables cultivated in pots and vegetable saplings were the special attraction at the three-day flower show organised by the Department of Horticulture at Kadri Park.

The visitors not only pleased their eyes by looking at the attractive display of flowers, but also in purchasing flower-bearing plants.

Hordes of flowers

According to the Deputy Director of the Horticulture department H R Nayak, around 25,000 Carnations, 300 bundles of White Daisies and Blue Daisies were used to prepare the model of a ship, highlighting the coastal region.

A sum of Rs 4 lakh was spent on this model. Around 18,000 white and yellow Chrysanthemums were used to make the vintage car, and 20,000 Chrysanthemums for the kettle and teacup. 2,000 roses used in preparing ice-cream cone. A sum of Rs 15 lakh is spent on the show.

Saplings of pumpkin, cucumber, chilly, brinjal, tomato, ridge gourd were for sale. Each plant was sold for Re 1. The saplings were developed at Maddadka nursery of the horticulture department.

Other attractions

Flowers like Canna, Pentas, Vinca, Salvia, Dianthus, 4 O Clock flower (Marvel-of-Peru), Petunias, Pentas Dwarf, Marigold, Zinnia, colourful Chrysanthemum, anthurium, orchids that had been arranged neatly were eye-catchers.

The horticulture department has also come out with a farming model for paddy, watermelon, okra, radish, long yard beans, green gram, ridge gourd, and other vegetables. The cultivation of vegetables in pots was also demonstrated.

Demonstration on Hydroponics (growing plants without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent), model of apiculture and methods of mushroom cultivation were also demonstrated.

Stem feed

A demonstration on stem feed for coconut tree by Shagri agencies was a new entry to the field of farming.

According to Ranjan, this is a method of target precise application of pesticides, plant resistance activators and fertilisers into the xylem vascular tissue of a tree with the purpose of protecting the tree from pests or and for correction of nutrient deficiences.

Using the trunk injection system, all injected fertilizers will be fully absorbed by the plant.

Feasibility study

District-in-charge Minister U T Khader said that a feasibility study will be carried out to promote tourism on the banks of the river from Kundapura to Kasargod.

Speaking after inaugurating the show, he said, "The flower show provides a platform for tourism in the district. There is a need to promote tourism in the district. A proposal has been submitted to promote tourism on the banks of the river and sea to be included in the state budget, he said.

MLA Vedavyasa Kamath said there is a need to generate income in Kadri Park for its maintenance. "I have already spoken to the DC about developing the park's land on the other side of the National Highway."