Mysuru: A five-day Mango and Jackfruit Mela to market many varieties of mouth-watering mangoes began at Curzon Park in city this morning. It will be held till May 28 from 10 am to 7 pm.   

As it is the season of the King of Fruits, the Department of Horticulture has organised this Mela with the main intention for the city-dwellers to relish freshly-plucked mangoes and jackfruits. The other reason is to help growers to sell their produce directly to consumers.

Speaking after inaugurating the Mela, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer K. Jyothi said that the Department has been conducting this Mela every year.

She called upon the public to make use of this opportunity as the fruits sold here are free of calcium carbide — a ripening chemical, which traders often use to get good colour and smell. This Mela is also organised to spread awareness among the farmers as well as consumers, about natural-ripening of mangoes, using ethylene gas.

The Mela promises to be a delight for all those who love mangoes and jackfruits. Visitors can choose from a wide range of mangoes and jackfruits that are displayed at 42 stalls. More than 15 mango varieties like Badami, Mallika, Dussheri, Amrapali, Malagova, Rasapuri, Sindoora, Thotapuri, Sakkare Guthi, Rathnagiri Alphonso, Baganapalli and Kesar are up for grabs. Mangoes cost between Rs.20 and Rs.65 per kilogram.

Of the 42 stalls set up here, 18 of them are for local mango growers from Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Ramanagaram districts. Jackfruit growers from Doddaballapur district have also displayed their farm produces. A kilogram of jackfruit is available for Rs.75.

Officials of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have deputed four staff to check quality of the fruits thrice a day at every stall.

Deputy Director of Horticulture Dr. Sanjay, Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture Department Habeeba Nishadth and others were present.

Sasya Santhe: A ‘sasya santhe,’ an exhibition of saplings of fruit-bearing trees, ornamental plants and vegetables like tamarind, mango, coconut, curry leaves, guava, papaya and lemon has also been organised. People can buy saplings of different kinds of fruit-bearing trees from Rs.8 to Rs.35 per plant.