Lalbagh’s Republic Day show focus on minor fruits

Lalbagh’s Republic Day show focus on minor fruits
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Udupi mallige, amla, orchids, organic products, rare flowers and fruits...Name them and you will be able to find them at the upcoming Republic Day flower show at Lalbagh on January 26.

Organised by the Department of Horticulture, the show aims at highlighting the significance of various minor fruits, its theme for this year.

Participants from various parts of the country are expected to attend. To add colour to the show, a specialist from Lucknow, known for preparing a variety of amla savouries such as amla laddus and amla burfi, will also take part.

Shaw, a participant from Pune, will prepare different blends of amla juices, considered good for diabetes. He will also prepare amla paan and amla chocolate, which is nutritive.

Director of Horticulture Vasant Kumar said amla may soon be considered a popular minor fruit.

“Amla does not require much water and hence can be grown in dry land conditions. Growers can also expect a good income,” he said.

What’s more, Udupi mallige or jasmine, grown in coastal areas, will be one of the main attractions at the show.

“Not many people are aware of this flower. It can be grown in your backyard and is in great demand,” he said.

The department is will attempt to promote the flower as cultural heritage through the show.

“Visitors will be educated on the significance of this flower as pamphlets giving information about it will be distributed,” he added.

The show will also include a multi-media presentation near the fossil park, exclusive landscaping, laser presentations, illumination of the gardens and the glass house.

The director said 42 stalls have already been booked for the show. In addition, 25 stalls would be set up, which would exhibit books on horticulture, home remedies and other such subjects.

Representatives from the agriculture universities of Dharwad and Bangalore, the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research and the Central Indian Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Organisation will participate.

The entry fee is Rs 15. The show will be open to the public from 9am to 8 pm.