35 varieties of jackfruits to be Exhibited During Halasu Mela at Pilikula
Mangaluru: The district administration in association with Pilikula Nisargadhama Science Centre, the Zilla Panchayat, and the departments of Horticulture and Agriculture will hold a two-day state-level Halasu Mela on July 16 and 17 at the Urban Hath in Pilikula, said Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim during a press meet held at the DC office here, on July 14.
Addressing the mediapersons, DC Ibrahim said that 35 varieties of jackfruits from various districts throughout the state will be exhibited and also be available for sale. Eatables made of jackfruit, jam, halwa, pappad, uppad pachir (raw jackfruit in salt water), juice, payasam, jelly, chips and santhani (boiled and dried jackfruit seeds) along with mango and mango products will be available.
He further said that three experts will deliver speeches on the cultivation of jackfruit plants and the rights of farmers. A book on jackfruit will also be released on the occasion.
A butterfly photo exhibition will be conducted by Sammilan Shetty. There will be 55 stalls, with various products made of jackfruits and mango, and other medicinal products. Bus facility from the main road in Vamanjoor to the exhibition venue will be available on July 16 and 17, so that more and more people can take part in the two-day state-level “Halasu Mela”.
DC Ibrahim also said that the administration plans to add a pair of zebras, giraffes and chimpanzees from central Africa in Pilikula. “The cost of a pair of zebras will be Rs 50 lakh, chimpanzees will be Rs 50 lakh and giraffes will be Rs 75 lakh. We have found donors and within 6 months, the animals will be brought to Pilikula Nisargadhama,” said the DC.
Shiva Kumar Magada speaking on the occasion said that last year, “Matsyotsava” was a grand success. “More than one lakh people took part in the Matsyotsava. A new coffee-like product made of jackfruit will be sold during the exhibition. More than 15 organizations will take part in the Halasu Mela with a variety of jackfruits, mangoes and its products,” said Magada.
H Jayaprakash Bhandary (Executive Director, Dr Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisargadhama), ZP CEO Sreevidya, MCC Commissioner Mohammed Nazir, Information Officer Khader Shah and others were also present.
