Cashew, mango and jackfruit mela at Kadri Park showcases value-added products, saplings, and farming innovations, promoting sustainable agriculture and local entrepreneurship in Mangaluru
Mangaluru
A three-day cashew, mango, and jackfruit mela began on Friday at Kadri Park, attracting visitors and farming enthusiasts from across the region. The event, being held from May 8 to May 10, opened to the public at 9 am and showcases a wide range of agricultural produce and value-added products.
Organised jointly by Raita Kudla Pratishthana, Siri Thotagarike Sangha, and Savayava Krishika Grahaka Balaga, the mela was inaugurated by agriculture journalist Shree Padre at 11 am. The event aims to promote sustainable farming practices, value addition, and awareness about traditional and organic produce.
One of the major attractions of the mela is the extensive display and sale of cashew-based products. Visitors can sample fresh cashew apple juice prepared without added sugar or water, along with a variety of innovative products such as cashew apple jaggery, ice cream, pickles, burfi, muffins, squash, halwa, sheera, payasam, sprouted cashew nuts, biscuits, and a special product called “Sukaju.”
Experts present at the event are also offering guidance on cashew apple processing and value addition techniques, helping farmers and entrepreneurs explore income-generating opportunities from agricultural produce that is often underutilised.
In addition to cashew products, the mela features a large collection of saplings for sale and exhibition. This includes specially developed cashew saplings suitable for urban cultivation, making it easier for city residents to grow the crop in limited spaces.
The event also highlights horticultural diversity with over 60 varieties of mango saplings and several types of jackfruit saplings available for purchase. These displays are drawing significant interest from gardening enthusiasts, farmers, and students.
The mela is expected to promote awareness about sustainable agriculture while encouraging local entrepreneurship in value-added farm products across Mangaluru and surrounding regions.