Pic: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jan 29: Horticulture enthusiasts who want to broaden their knowledge have a reason to smile as the three-day ‘Fruit and Flower Show 2016’, organized by Udupi zilla panchayat and horticulture departments, got off to a splendid start here on Friday January 29.
The fruit and flower show was inaugurated by DC R Vishal at flower auction centre, Doddanagudde and will be open for public view till January 31.
As many as 32 varieties of flowers have been displayed in the flower show. These include marigold, petunia, verbena, coleus, impatiens, celosia, gomphrena, dahlia, petunia and sunflower.
After inaugurating the flower show by lighting the lamp, DC R Vishal said, "The purpose of this exhibition is to educate farmers about micro-irrigation, government schemes and other programmes. The flower show will shed light on various methods of commercial farming which will hopefully decrease the rate of farmers’ suicide in state.”
Speaking on the occasion, SP K Annamalai said, "These flower and fruit models are good examples to encourage farmers who think agriculture is an unprofitable occupation.
“I am really happy to see models of various methods of farming, especially terrace gardening. I will try to cultivate vegetables through terrace gardening in my home," Annamalai said.
Flower artiste from Hubballi, Shivalingappa has made a beautiful portrait in colourful Rangoli powder. He has been doing this for 30 long years as his profession. He has showcased nearly 5,000 creations in various places and won admiration from CM Siddaramaiah. He has also carved beautiful sculptures and designs in wood. Further, he has trained 50-60 students and self-help group members.
Another budding floral designer, Sandhya from Bengaluru, has displayed natural sun-dried flowers in the show. She runs her own flower shop called ‘Tulip Fiory’ in Bengaluru. This is her 37th exhibition.
She has also introduced Ooty flowers (a breed which is cultivated only in Ooty) in the flower exhibition. Other designs like fish made out of Alstro Maria, boat made out of Heliconia roses, Oriental, Asiatic lilies are breathtaking.
The beautiful flower designs of boat, fish and heart are other attractions which capture the attention of flower lovers. Nearly 4,350 flowers have been used to make these three figures.
Raghavendra Mogaveera Kodlady, an expert in vegetable carving, has showcased many designs of Lingas and Lord Ganapati which are made with watermelon platter and lute made with pumpkins. He carved a lotus by using onions effortlessly in a minute.
A white chariot decorated with red rose is another attraction. This is made by banana stem layer and coconut spring leaves.
Nearly seven to eight stalls selling agriculture and horticultural equipment have been set up at the venue.
The flower show also teaches how to grow tomatoes, ladies-finger and other vegetables in terrace garden.
People were seen enjoying the fruit and flower exhibition, taking selfies in front of the flower sculptures, and some were also seen buying different saplings.
Zilla panchayat CEO Priyanka Mary Francis, Dr M Hanumantappa, director of Krishi Kendra Brahmavar, B Dhananjay, programme organizer of KVK Brahmavar, B Siddaramaiah, deputy director, Animal husbandry department, P Parshwanath, senior assistant fishing director, KA Vijaykumar, deputy director of Horticulture and others were present on the occasion.