Four horticulture mega marts, each with a budget of Rs 100 crore, will come up in Hassan, Kolar, Shimoga and Belgaum, said Director of Horticulture M Jayaram on Wednesday.

Source: Deccan Herald



Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard with the Department of Horticulture on August 8. Besides, the department will start two biotech centres in Shimoga and Bidar. Three flower auction centres in Tumkur, Davangere and Udupi are also on the cards.

Flower shows are converted into horticultural shows in the changing scenario. The focus is not only on aesthetics but also on dissemination of information on new technologies in horticulture, he added.

The show which will be inaugurated on August 6 at the Glass House at 12 noon by the Minister of Horticulture Umesh V Katti, will continue till August 15. The budget for the show is Rs 50 lakh as against Rs 80 lakh spent last year. The main attraction of the show will be a scaled down model of the India Gate of New Delhi structured with 2.5 lakh rose blooms at the Glass House.
Mark of respect

"We want to salute the monument on the eve of Independence Day. This will also be a mark of respect for all the martyrs and freedom fighters of our country," Jayaram said.
The show aims to bring people together to enjoy nature and know more about the variety of flowers and plants grown in the State. The show will exhibit varieties of flowers -Anthurium, Orchids, Bouganvillae, Impention, Cocks Comb, Celosia and other blooms, fruits, vegetables and horticultural plants. It also showcases potted plants, cut flowers, Thai art, Jannur, lke-Bana, Indian Floral Art, Bonsai and vegetable carving.

An essay competition on horticulture will be held on Thursday at Dr M H Marigowda Memorial Hall, Lalbagh from 10 am to 12 noon. The competition has no age limit.
Entry tickets will be available at all entry points from 9 am to 6 pm. The show will close at 7 pm. The entry fees for adults is Rs 30 and children is Rs 10 in working days.

For holidays there is an increase of Rs 10 each in adult and children entry fees. School students will be admitted free of cost on August 13 from 8 am to 12 noon. Tight security measures will be provided at all entry points.