Bangalore: Grape Mela Across City Offers 10 Percent Discount
The Hindu
Bangalore, Feb 11: Grapes could be a little sour for consumers this season as they are likely to cost a little more compared to the previous year.
The high price is being attributed to the floods that devastated great swathes of land in north Karnataka in October resulting in the reduction of the yield this year.
With the season just commencing, HOPCOMS has launched its annual Grape Mela across the city in all its outlets on February 10.
“We have set a target to sell 1,000 tonnes this year compared to 700 tonnes last year. This year, prices of the grapes will be slightly higher due the lesser yield of crops in north Karnataka due to the torrential rains and floods a few months back,” HOPCOMS Chairman B. Mune Gowda told presspersons here.
However, on a positive note, he added: “A 10 per cent discount is being given during the mela to offset the increased prices”.
The Grape Mela is being organised to provide an impetus to growers and also provide quality grapes to consumers at a reasonable price.
“Grape growers from north Karnataka districts, including Bagalkot, Bijapur, Koppal, apart and Bangalore Rural district and Maharashtra, will take part in the mela,” he added.
According to sources in HOPCOMS, nearly 80 per cent of the grapes to Bangalore during February come from north Karnataka.
However, starting March, grapes to the city will come from Bangalore Rural and Urban, and Kolar districts. That is when prices come down, the sources added.
Customers can have their choice from Thomson Seedless, Sonaka, Sharad, Krishna Sharad, Tas-a-Ganesh, Indian Black, Globe, Red Globe, Flame Seedless, Manik Chaman and Bangalore Blue, said HOPCOMS Managing Director B. Krishna.
Besides grapes, different varieties of raisins, cashew nuts, pista, badam, black pepper, and grape wine will be sold at the outlets, he added.
The mela, on till March 31, will be held at 237 outlets, including 26 specially identified outlets and 15 mobile sales counters.
Horticulture Minister Umesh V. Katti will inaugurate the Grape Mela at the HOPCOMS outlet at Hudson Circle. Labour Minister B.N. Bache Gowda will be present.