Mangaluru: The four-day fruit and flower exhibition, organised by department of horticulture, showcasing different varieties of fruits and flowers was thrown open to the public today.
Speaking after inaugurating the flower show, District in-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai stated that the annual event taken up by the horticulture department was a good green initiative and would encourage people to show concern towards environment and also help the department in earning revenue.
“The departments of horticulture, agriculture and forest are coming up with different programmes to encourage green initiatives. Tannirbavi Tree Park is one of them. The government will encourage and support programmes like planting saplings in the city which will benefit the environment,” he added.
The entry fee for the students will cost Rs 10 while adults will be charged Rs 20. However, entry will be free for those students who come in their school uniform, physically challenged and senior citizens.
The special exhibits at the show is the replica of Rani Abbaka, the warrior queen of Ullal, made out of exotic and local flowers including roses and chrysanthemums.
The exhibition will showcase flowers like marigold, anthurium, dahlia, gerbera, orchids and bonsai plants. A flower arrangement competition will be held for the general public. Nearly 80 stalls have been put up at the park out of which the government has set up 10 stalls to give information on various schemes to the people. Horticultural and organic products will also be sold at the stalls besides the nurseries selling plants. Food festival “Aharamela” will be organised during the exhibition.
MLA J R Lobo, MLA Mohideen Bawa, Mayor Harinath, Ivan D’Souza, chief whip Karnataka Legislative Council and several others were present at the event.
