Three-day Fruit Mela Inaugurated at Pilikula
Mangaluru: The three-day fruit exhibition was inaugurated at the Pilikula Nisargadhama here on June 16.
The MLA of Moodbidri Umanath Kotian inaugurated the Fruit Exhibition by lighting the traditional lamp. MLC Ivan D’Souza cut the jackfruit and inaugurated the Jackfruit Mela.
Addressing the gathering MLA Umanath Kotian said, “When we were small we used to eat Jackfruit or Mangoes and go to school. While coming back from the school we used to pluck mangoes from trees on roadsides throwing stones. In olden days many poor students were not getting proper food to eat and were eating jackfruit. But now most of the students do not eat Jackfruit. Jackfruit is known as the poor man’s food. In some regions even now during the season, people eat Jackfruit instead of rice. Many people do not know the taste and health benefits of the jackfruit.”
Umanath further said, “Today we have inaugurated the Fruit Mela in Pilikula. There are a variety of Jackfruits and Mangoes exhibited here. This Mela is to encourage the Mango and Jackfruit growers to promote their products. I urge everyone to visit the exhibition and support the farmers by buying their products.”
Speaking on the occasion MLC Ivan D’Souza said, “Jackfruit is my favourite, they can be found even in the forest. The Jackfruit and Mango trees do not need special care. Jackfruit is a seasonal fruit which is available only for three months. Earlier we used to make various delicacies from the Jackfruit but now we can get such delicacies only in five-star hotels. We are using Mangoes for various purposes, such as Mango Lassi, Mango juice, Mango pickle, Mango Ice-cream etc. We need to produce various products from the Jackfruit too. Scientists should do some research on the Jackfruit and help to promote its products.”
Ivan further said, “In Kerala, the Jackfruit has been declared as the State fruit, why can’t we do the same in Karnataka? We should encourage jackfruit growers. We have a variety of jackfruits, mangoes, pineapples and food prepared using such fruits. Already 70 vendors have registered and put up their stalls here. Most of the stalls are occupied with jackfruits, mangoes and seasonal fruits. We are encouraging people who are into agriculture.”
Director of the park, H Jayaprakash Bhandary, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, Director of Pilikula Regional Science Centre Dr K V Rao and others were also present.
