Pics: Aditya Aithal
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jan 25: The Fruit and Flower Exhibition 2025 was inaugurated at the Horticulture Department Flower Auction Centre (Farmer Service Centre), Shivalli, on Saturday, January 25.
The exhibition, running from January 25 to 27, is jointly organised by the Horticulture Department and the district administration.
Deputy Commissioner Dr K Vidya Kumari inaugurated the event by cutting the ribbon, officially launching the exhibition.
The exhibition showcases over 7,000 plants, featuring 23 varieties, including Petunia, Celosia, Salvia, Chrysanthemum, Marigold, Zinnia, China Aster, Balsam, and more. Additionally, artistic installations were created using 1,25,000 flowers, including roses, chrysanthemums, orchids, and lilies.
Special displays representing the Karnataka government's five guarantees — Anna Bhagya, Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyothi, Shakti, and Yuva Nidhi — were featured at the exhibition.
Another highlight was the floral replica of Karnataka, created for the Suvarna Karnataka celebrations. The exhibition also included a selfie zone made of flowers, displays of ornamental plants and potted flowers, and model terrace and kitchen gardens.
Dr K Vidya Kumari stated, "To mark Republic Day, a three-day flower and fruit exhibition has been organised. A key highlight of the event is the floral depiction of the Karnataka government's five guarantees, which serves as the main attraction. We invite all Udupi residents to visit and actively participate in the exhibition."
Yashpal A Suvarna, MLA of Udupi, said, “India is an agriculture-based country, and both the central and state governments have introduced various schemes and programs to support farmers. In our district, crops like areca nut, coconut, and vegetables are widely grown. I was amazed to see the variety of crops cultivated by our farmers, which shows the potential of Udupi district. I sincerely hope farmers' aspirations are fulfilled, and I am committed to ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach their doorstep through the department. As Doddanagudde is located far from the city, the City Municipality will extend its support to host such events in the heart of the city in the future.”
A visitor remarked, “This is my second time visit to the exhibition. It would be better if they included more varieties of plants. The display of floral art is impressive and will surely attract more visitors. Compared to last year, there has been significant improvement, but I hope to see more native plants in the future.”
The inauguration was attended by superintendent of police Dr Arun K, Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, culture department deputy director Bhuvaneshwari, Urban Development Authority's Dinakar Herror, Udupi City Municipality president Prabhakar Poojary, and others.