Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 1: “Jackfruit is not just a fruit; it connects hearts and nurtures relationships,” said Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike, inaugurating the three-day jackfruit fair and awareness campaign at the K Subbannayya Memorial Kotekar Sahakara Saudha, Beeri Junction, Kotekar.
The event, organised by Kotekar Agricultural Service Cooperative Society in association with the Ullal Taluk Working Journalists’ Association, includes a jackfruit fair, rural outreach campaign, launch of fallow land cultivation, and women’s self-employment training.
“We must protect nature and cultivate discipline in our eating habits. Nature always wishes well for us. Even if we feed cattle jackfruit peels, they give us milk that we offer to God. We must develop a sense of gratitude,” Nandalike said.
President of Kotekar Agricultural Service Cooperative Bank Krishna Shetty of Kelagina Kotekaruguttu presided over the programme.
Senior assistant director of horticulture Praveen K provided detailed information on horticultural crops.
Vice president of the bank K B Aboosali, director Krishnappa Salyan, chief executive officer Harshavardhan Ullal, vice president of Kotekar town panchayat Praveen Bagambila, opposition leader Ahmad Bava Ajjinadka, and president of Ullal Taluk Journalists’ Association Vasanth N Konaje were present.
Beekeeper Bharat Raj Sorake delivered the welcome address, and Sumalata Konaje compered the event.
Fair highlights
The three-day event features an exhibition, awareness and sale of agricultural tools and products. Various jackfruit-based items such as red and white varieties of jackfruit, holige, jalebi, papad, chips, jackfruit manchurian, dosa, thick curry, ice cream, seasonal special patrade, elephant yam dishes, colocasia delicacies, and tamarind leaf patrade are attracting attention. Other stalls include millet-based organic products, khadi items, handmade goods, vegetable and fruit saplings, natural juices, pure honey, coconut water and more.
The fair also provides detailed information on horticultural crops and government schemes.
“India gives high priority to the development of palm cultivation as it heavily depends on imports, leading to significant expenditure. Dakshina Kannada is fortunate to receive rainfall for six months. If we create ponds to conserve this water, it can be used for agriculture. Whether small or large, financial assistance is available from various departments to build such ponds,” said Praveen K, senior assistant director of horticulture.
Workshops on profitable farming and beekeeping will be held on August 2, and a session on jackfruit value addition is scheduled for August 3.