Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, June 3: In a bid to help tribal families, an exhibition on horticulture is being held in the city. The exhibition also features city’s maiden mango festival. The four-day long exhibition has been organized by NABARD. Governor of Orissa SC Jamir inaugurated the exhibition Saturday. “We have installed 20 stalls in the event,” chief general manager of NABARD KC Panigrahi said.
As many as 70 farmers from 17 districts have put their stalls at the venue. Popular varieties of garden fresh and carbide-free mangoes such as Amrapali, Baiganpalli, Totapuri, Alphonso, Lengda, Dusheri, Sundari, Subarnarekha, Himsagar, Mallika, Neelam and other fruits such as litchi, pine apple, jack fruit have been put on display for sale. An exhibitor, Adhikari Pradhan from Sundargarh district, explained that the project has brought smile among the 1372 beneficiaries. “With the help of WADI projects, around 1600 acres unused field has been flourished. This year, we have collected 1000 quintal mangoes and we are able to sell here at convenient prices,” said Pradhan. Different mangoes were sold in price of Rs 30 and 35. “Sadly, the farmers have been selling their produced goods at price Rs 5 to the brokers. However, this event will help them to sell it directly to their customers,” said CGM. “We are happy to be part of this event as we can sell it at good price. Customers are buying gladly as the mangoes are carbide-free,” another exhibitor Bulit Kumar Majhi from Kalahandi district said. The inaugural day witnessed above 2000 customers. “It is difficult to get fresh and good mangoes at Rs 30 and Rs 35 in the market. But, here we are able to get fresh mangoes at lowest prices,” said Pravakar Sahu, a visitor. The exhibition will conclude June 6.