Mysore: The Horticulture Department, which has proposed to hold a mega ‘Mango Mela’ during the end of May or the first week of June will hold talks with mango growers, traders and commission agents on May 14 in Mysuru during which the Mela venue and dates will be finalised.  This was confirmed to Star of Mysore this morning by Horticulture Department Assistant Director Habeeba Sadh.

Sources in the Department said that the Mango Mela is being held every year since several years now. But this year, the Mela could not be organised until now due to Lok Sabha elections. This year, the yield has declined by 40 per cent when compared to previous due to soaring temperatures. This has led to price rise in the market.

The Mela will be organised for five days where growers from Mandya, Ramanagaram, Channapattana, Hassan, Bengaluru Rural, Shivamogga and other places will take part.  

At the Mela, at least 15 varieties of mangoes including Rathnagiri Alphonso, Badami, Rasapuri, Sindoora, Malagova, Thotapuri, Mallika, Dussheri, Neelam, Amrapali, Kesar, and Baganapalli will be on sale. All the fruits have been naturally ripened and no chemical substance has been used.    

First round of discussion with officials to hold this Mela at Curzon Park has already been held and the dates will be finalised soon. Price Committee constituted by the Department will fix the price and fruits will be available at cheaper rates, officials said.

Mango Mela at Mandya from May 30

Meanwhile, Mango Mela will be held in Mandya from May 30 to June 2. Mandya District, known for its abundance in sugarcane and paddy, has also carved a niche in mango cultivation.

Horticulture Assistant Director K.M. Rekha held a meeting at her office yesterday to discuss on the proposed Mango Mela. This time the Mela would be held under the aegis of State Mango Board. Initially 25 to 30 stalls will be opened and the number increased depending on supply and demand. The rate of mangoes will be fixed by the Board on a daily basis.