JOIN US This year, it’s advantage for lovers of mango as they get to buy the king of fruits at discount rates in two melas. Monday saw the inauguration of a jackfruit and mango mela, organised by Hopcoms. The Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation (KSMDMC) has proposed another mango mela at Lalbagh.
There appears to be a tussle between Hopcoms and KSMDMC, but the managing director of KSMDMC has denied there is any rift.
Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the mango and jackfruit mela, B Krishna, the Hopcoms MD, said there is no dispute with KSMDMC.
Officials from KSMDMC were invited for the event, but they chose not to come, he said. The mela is held annually by Hopcoms, just like the sale of grapes and other fruits. No official from the Horticulture department was present.
KSMDMC chairperson Kamalakshi Rajanna said she and her colleagues were not invited and their names were not included in the invitation.
“This is the reason why Horticulture Minister Shamanur Shivashankarappa did not participate. The claim that farmers have been roped in is false, as most mango growers are a part of KSMDMC,” she said.
But people are not worried about who is organising. They are happy as fruits are being sold at discount rates.
“It does not matter who is selling as long as they are sold at lesser than market price. I am here to purchase mangoes and will buy again when another mela is held in Lalbagh,” said Hemanth L, a citizen.
“Organising more such melas will only help people. I was expecting farmers here and wanted to speak to them about their summer misery. It is only when I came here that I was told it is a Hopcoms stall. The fruits are slightly cheaper than at the market, which is the only advantage,” said Ashwini S, another buyer. Earlier, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy inaugurated the mela organised by Hopcoms.
Month-long mela
The month-long mango and jackfruit mela (May 16 to June 16) is being held in 275 stalls across the city and state. The fruits will be sold here at a 10% discount, compared to the market.
The mela could be extended depending on the response from farmers and consumers.
Thousand tonnes of mango and 100 tonnes of jackfruit will be sold. Plastic is a strict no at the mela. Consumers are advised to bring their own carry bags or buy a cloth bag for Rs 5.
Varieties on sale
Mango - Alphonso, Badami, Malgoa, Kalapadu, Raspuri, Mallika, Dasheri, Banganapali, Kesar, Sendura, Dashehri, Thotapuri, Sakkaragutti and Siri (hybrid).
Jackfruit - Sakarayapatna, Tubugere, Chandra, Byrasandra, Janagere
and Gumless.