Koppal

The 10th edition of the ‘Plant Fair and Horticulture Campaign–2026’, organised by the Koppal Horticulture Department from August 15 to 20, concluded successfully with overwhelming participation from farmers and the public. More than 12,000 people attended the six-day event, generating demand for over 55 lakh saplings and horticulture-related inputs.

The campaign focused on promoting horticulture crops along field bunds, dryland farming, drought management and rainwater harvesting under the theme of low investment, low maintenance and continuous income. Exotic fruit saplings witnessed particularly high demand, with advance registrations received for more than 2,000 Miyazaki mango and over 2,000 avocado saplings. Demand was also recorded for more than 5,000 exotic fruit plants, including macadamia, mangosteen, litchi, foreign jackfruit and cherry varieties.

Farmers registered in advance to cultivate horticultural crops across more than 3,000 acres. Over 500 acres have been earmarked for planting hybrid coconut varieties, including Kolangatt Orange, Chowghat Green, Gangabond and Ttidi. The department’s nursery sold more than 3.5 lakh saplings, including Kesar mango, lemon, coconut, vegetable and ornamental plants, while advance demand was received for another 4.5 lakh saplings.

The campaign also recorded significant sales of organic inputs, including 100 tonnes of vermicompost, 5,000 litres of vermiwash, 5,000 kg of neem powder and 500 kg of other bio-inputs. Demonstrations on kitchen gardens, terrace gardens, hydroponics, vertical gardens and borewell recharge were also conducted.

More than 300 farmers expressed interest in palm cultivation. Farmers were also provided technical guidance on soil and water testing through the Ginigera laboratory, export-oriented banana cultivation and organic jackfruit farming. Koppal Horticulture Department Joint Director Krishna C. Ukkund said the campaign provided farmers with practical knowledge and opportunities to adopt profitable horticulture practices.