The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Mango Mela at Lalbagh

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Tuesday, Jun 03, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Mango Mela at Lalbagh

Staff Reporter

Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash

Inviting: Mangoes on display at the Mango Mela, organised by the Horticulture Department, at Lal Bagh in Bangalore. —

Bangalore: Farmers from all across the State, on the invitation of the Horticulture Department, came to Lalbagh armed with their produce for the Mango Mela.

The mela, which will be on till June 8, is an occasion for farmers to exhibit their produce and familiarise the people with the different varieties they grow. India accounts for more than 50 per cent of the world’s mango production, and Karnataka is among the first producers in the country.

The rain could not prevent hoards of customers who gathered over the weekend to buy high-quality mangoes. “I sold more mangoes than I expected in these two days.

It has been good business,” says Jagadeesh Be from Chitradurga district.

“I only sell Alphonso mangoes because it is the best quality. It is sweet and can be use for pickles, juices and just about everything,” he adds. Some stalls down, Govinda Reddy from Srinivaspur in Kolar district is selling Sendhura mangoes.

“I produce around three tonnes of mangoes a year. It provides good income as well. I usually sell my crop through agents; so for me the mela is an occasion to directly interact with customers,” he says.

Lakshman Reddy, also from Srinivaspur, owns 20 acres of land in Digavapalli and grows five different varieties of mango.

“Today, I sold two quintals of mangoes. There is a lot of difference here because there is no commission. It is a direct purchase. Outside, I have to pay a 10 per cent commission,” he says.

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