District Collector Divya Prabhu inaugurated the five-day Mango Exhibition and Sale Fair, popularly known as the Fruit King Festival, at the Horticulture Department campus in Dharwad. Organized to address the rising interest from both mango cultivators and consumers, the fair provides a direct market link between growers and buyers, encouraging farm-to-table sales and showcasing regional mango diversity.
Collector Prabhu emphasized that mango farming is a key income source for Dharwad district, and the event offers a win-win for cultivators and consumers—high-quality fruits at reasonable rates and better earnings for farmers. Over 30 local growers are exhibiting a wide range of produce, and the event has already drawn positive community feedback.
With mango cultivation spread across 29,610 acres, involving nearly 8,900 farmers, Dharwad anticipates a yield of around 29,000 tonnes this season despite some climate-related challenges. Taluks like Dharwad, Kalaghatagi, Hubballi, and Kundagola are major contributors.
A major announcement at the event was the launch of a Mango Development Center at Kumbhapura Farm, backed by ₹7 crore. The center will house cold storage, processing, grading, and training units, serving Dharwad and surrounding areas.
The fair displays over 100 mango types, including prized varieties like Miyazaki, Alphonso, Neelam, and Gold Line. Local farmers have also begun exporting premium mangoes to international markets.
Dignitaries present included officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, Hopcoms, and local development bodies, reinforcing the collective support for regional horticulture.
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