Udupi's Grand Horticultural Exhibition Celebrates Environmental Icon Thimmakka
The coastal district of Udupi is set to host a vibrant three-day district-level fruit and flower show, paying tribute to the remarkable life and achievements of environmentalist Padma Shri Saalumarada Thimmakka. Scheduled from January 26 to 28, this horticultural extravaganza will unfold at the Horticulture Department's flower auction center, located within the Raitha Seva Kendra at Shivalli Model Horticulture Farm.
Event Details and Public Access
The exhibition will be open to the public daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, offering ample opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the floral splendor. Organized through a collaborative effort by the district administration, the Zilla Panchayat, and the Horticulture Department, the event promises to be a comprehensive showcase of agricultural excellence.
Floral Diversity and Dedication
Attendees can expect to witness approximately 7,000 flowering plants spanning 26 distinct varieties. The collection will feature popular blooms such as petunia, celosia, salvia, chrysanthemum, marigold, hibiscus, and pansy. Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K emphasized that the event is dedicated to Thimmakka's inspiring legacy, highlighting her contributions to environmental conservation.
Inauguration and Leadership
The inauguration ceremony is slated for January 26 at 8:00 AM, with District Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar presiding over the proceedings. Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna will chair the event, underscoring the political and administrative support for this horticultural initiative.
Exhibition Highlights and Educational Sessions
Beyond the floral displays, the exhibition will include:
- Model kitchen gardens and vegetable displays
- Demonstrations on micro-greens cultivation
- A series of technical sessions tailored to farmers and gardening enthusiasts
The technical sessions are structured as follows:
- January 26: A focused session on controlling areca nut leaf spot disease, addressing a key agricultural challenge in the region.
- January 27: An insightful discussion on export opportunities for Udupi district's GI-tagged crops, notably Udupi jasmine and Mattu Gulla brinjal, aimed at boosting local economies.
- January 28: A practical workshop on the creation and maintenance of kitchen and terrace gardens, promoting urban and home-based horticulture.
Stalls and Farmer Participation
The event will also feature numerous stalls and displays, including:
- Counters by agriculture-related departments
- Nursery plant sales and farm machinery exhibits
- A special display of unique horticultural and spice crops by local farmers, showcasing the region's agricultural diversity
This comprehensive exhibition not only celebrates horticultural beauty but also serves as an educational platform, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and honoring a beloved environmental icon.
