Latest news with #DepartmentofHorticulture
The Print
6 days ago
- Business
- The Print
3F Oil Palm, Andhra govt launch awareness prog to promote sustainable oil palm cultivation
India currently imports over 60 per cent of its edible oil requirements, with annual imports exceeding 13 million tonnes. The initiative, launched in collaboration with the state's Department of Horticulture, is being conducted in Eluru, West Godavari, and East Godavari districts, 3F Oil Palm said in a statement. Mumbai, May 29 (PTI) 3F Oil Palm on Thursday said it has initiated a farmer awareness programme in 50 villages in Andhra Pradesh to promote sustainable oil palm cultivation. To reduce import dependency, the government launched the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) to bring an additional 6.5 lakh hectares under oil palm cultivation by 2025-26. Andhra Pradesh plays a pivotal role in this mission, contributing more than 60 per cent of India's total oil palm cultivation with over 1.5 lakh hectares currently under oil palm. 'This joint effort underscores the commitment of both 3F Oil Palm and the Horticulture Department to boost the oil palm sector in the state and contribute to the larger goal of self-reliance in edible oil production. 'The programme is expected to directly benefit hundreds of farmers, creating a ripple effect in improving oil palm cultivation standards across the region,' 3F Oil Palm Head Agri Srinivas Rao Kilari said. PTI SM MR SHW This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
A major crop in the region, mango cultivation spans 10,000 hectares in Mandya: DC
Deputy Commissioner Kumar on Monday said mango cultivation has expanded across approximately 10,000 hectares in Mandya district, and to support farmers with better market access, a Mango and Jackfruit Mela has been organised. He was speaking at the inauguration of the 'Mango and Jackfruit Mela, Plant Expo, and Sales Fair – 2025', organised jointly by the district administration, zilla panchayat, and the Department of Horticulture. Dr. Kumar highlighted that mango is one of the major horticultural crops in the region, with the district producing over 20,000 tonnes annually. 'The mela has been organised to ensure quality mangoes are made available to consumers at fair prices, to foster stronger farmer-consumer relationships, and to provide encouragement to mango growers,' he added. Zilla panchayat Chief Executive Officer K.R. Nandini said the mela is being held in the district after several years. Alongside the mango and jackfruit displays, a plant exhibition and sales event has also been arranged to provide high-quality fruit saplings to farmers and the general public, she added. The mela features over 15 stalls, showcasing more than 40 varieties of mangoes brought by local farmers as well as growers from other districts. The focus is on promoting chemical-free and carbide-free fruits, the organisers said. In addition, over 10 varieties of jackfruit are on display, drawing interest from consumers. The organisers have urged the public to visit the mela and make the most of this opportunity. Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, Deputy Director of Horticulture Roopashree, and other senior officials were present. The exhibition features popular varieties such as Badami, Raspuri, Mallika, Malgova, Sendura, Kesar, Sakkarebuthi, Imam Pasand, Totapuri, Langra, Rumani, Chilak Ras, Amlet, and Madanapalle — all of which attracted the visitors. The mela also showcases more than 10 varieties of jackfruit, including Gubbi Bakke, Bakke, Cheluru Bakke, Ajji Halasu, Sakkare Pattana Onake, Gurugala Thota, and Chandra Halasu, each unique in flavor and texture, they said. An array of grafted saplings and seedlings are being sold at government-approved prices at the expo. Varieties available include lemon, mango, guava (Allahabad Safeda), sapota (cricket ball), drumstick (PKM1), and arecanut, providing an opportunity for those looking to start or expand fruit cultivation.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Mango and Jackfruit Mela kicks off at Kuppanna Park in Mysuru
The three-day Mango and Jackfruit Mela began on Friday at Kuppanna Park in Mysuru, drawing fruit enthusiasts and local residents eager to sample a variety of seasonal produce. Organised by the Department of Horticulture, the event features 48 stalls, where farmers were selling naturally ripened mangoes and jackfruits directly to consumers. The mela will remain open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until Sunday, offering visitors an opportunity to purchase fresh, chemical-free fruits straight from the growers. Inaugurating the event, K. Harish Gowda, MLA, highlighted the initiative's goal of promoting farm-fresh produce while supporting local fruit growers. 'This mela provides a platform for farmers to sell their products directly, ensuring quality for consumers and fair returns for the growers,' he said. Joint Director of Horticulture H.M. Nagaraj, Deputy Director Manjunath Angadi, and other officials were present. A wide range of mango varieties, including Badami, Raspuri, Mallika, Saindhura, Malgoa, and Kesar, are available for purchase. Prices are fixed in line with the prevailing rates at Hopcoms outlets. Officials expect a large turnout over the weekend, as the mela continues to attract mango and jackfruit lovers from across the city.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cubbon Band Stand brings Bengaluru's Sundays to life
At the heart of Cubbon Park, the century-old Band Stand is no longer a relic of the past. Every Sunday morning, from 8 am, it comes alive with music and dance, marking a revival of Bengaluru's cultural heritage. Heritage Beku, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, is making the bandstand the centre of public life again. The Revival Series is an initiative to preserve and celebrate Bengaluru's history and culture through live performances. From Carnatic music to Bharatnatyam dance to festive choirs, the bandstand hosts a diverse range of artistes every Sunday. 'WE ARE BRINGING ART BACK TO THIS FORGOTTEN CORNER OF THE PARK' 'Cubbon Park has always held a special place in the hearts of Bengalureans. The revival effort took root slowly, seeded by nostalgia and a deep desire to bring music and life back to this forgotten corner of the park,' says Priya Chetty Rajagopal, founder of Heritage Beku. 'The series is not only about events but also about creating a cultural vibe in the heart of the city,' she adds. 'IT'S IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE RECONNECT' 'Reconnecting with a historical space through cultural experiences is not just nostalgic, it's necessary. Cities across the world have long treated their parks as sites for cultural congregation. Bengaluru, with its rich heritage and creative community, deserves the same. Artistes are eager to participate, the public is engaged, and the park provides the perfect stage,' says Priya. The real magic of this revival is not just the return of music and movement to the Band Stand, but the way it reconnects the soul of the city to its most cherished memories, which makes Cubbon Park more alive Priya Chetty Rajagopal, founder, Heritage Beku 'A LOST FEELING IS NOW BEING REVIVED AT CUBBON PARK' The events focus on Indian classical and traditional art forms. But curating the events comes with its pros and cons; however, at the Revival Series, artists come purely for the nostalgia. Priya explains, 'Finding artistes was a challenge, especially ones willing to perform pro bono. Yet, many responded with enthusiasm. For them, the band stand wasn't just a stage. It was a symbol of memory, belonging, and pride.' 'GLAD TO BRING BACK THIS TRADITION' 'There is a different magic when people perform at Cubbon Park. Every single artist tells us it was a privilege and an honour to perform here. Their creative souls are at a top level just being in that space. We're proud to be part of something like this, and we are glad to bring back such an important tradition to Bengaluru,' says Priya. 'IT IS MORE THAN JUST PERFORMANCES' 'Art in public spaces makes culture accessible. It breaks down barriers and reminds us that art doesn't belong in closed auditoriums alone. There's something inherently non-transactional about it. It's a gift to the city,' said Ruam M, a member of the group. Just being in that space, watching an artiste perform, under the open sky, surrounded by nature, is unexpectedly moving Ruam M Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
The Hindu
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Three-day Mango Mela begins in Mysuru on May 23
Mysuru will soon host a celebration of mangoes, with the Department of Horticulture organising a three-day Mango Mela at Kuppanna Park from May 23 to May 25. The event brings together fresh, naturally ripened mangoes of various local varieties under one roof. Over 45 stalls will be set up to enable direct marketing by farmers from Mysuru and other mango-growing districts across Karnataka. The mela provides an opportunity for mango enthusiasts to buy premium-quality fruits at affordable prices, straight from the growers. The Mango Mela is an annual event aimed at supporting farmers by eliminating middlemen and offering consumers access to fresh and chemical-free mangoes. Alongside the sale, there will be a display of unique and rare mango varieties, making it a treat for both buyers and fruit lovers. The mela will be inaugurated on May 23 at 9:30 a.m. Mysuru district produces approximately 15,000 to 17,000 tonnes of mangoes annually across 1,185 hectares of cultivated land. According to officials from the Department of Horticulture, the 2025 mango season has seen a significant improvement in yield compared to the previous two years. The crop was adversely affected in 2023 and 2024 due to prolonged heat waves and poor soil moisture, resulting in off years for mango production. These conditions led to reduced availability and higher prices, disappointing both farmers and consumers. In contrast, this year's favorable weather has contributed to better flowering and fruit development, resulting in a good mango season. Karnataka had produced around 15 lakh tonnes of mangoes in 2021, but production dropped to 8 to 9 lakh tonnes in 2022 and further declined in the subsequent years. The improved conditions in 2025 have benefited farmers. The Mango Mela has grown in popularity over the years, becoming a much-anticipated event in Mysuru. With good yields and high-quality produce this year, the mela is expected to attract large crowds.
