Date:12/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/12/stories/2008051250410200.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

200 varieties of mango on display

Special Correspondent

Photo: S. Mahinsha

KING OF FRUITS: Mangoes of different sizes and shapes from all over the country are drawing visitors to the three-day Mango Festival which got under way in the capital on Sunday.

Thiruvananthapuram: As many as 200 varieties of the ‘King of Fruits’ are on display at the Mango Festival, which began here on Sunday under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture and the State Horticulture Mission. The opening day witnessed a good turnout.

Visitors to the fair were treated to the sight of mangoes in different sizes and shapes from all over the country. Local varieties such as Kottukonam, Preeyoor, Thenmaanga, Chandrakaran, Thathammachundan, Mayilpeeliyan, Nambiar Maanga and Nedumangadan share space with exotic species. Also on display are a range of mango-based dishes, both traditional preparations and innovative products. The ‘Konjum Maanga’ a traditional preparation unique to Chettikulangara is the highlight of the stall of Alappuzha district.

Saplings of different species of mango are on sale at the festival. Farmers from Palakkad, the ‘Mango City of Kerala’ and from Kanyakumari are offering mangoes for sale. Visitors can taste the fruit at the stall. Saplings are available at a price of Rs.35.

Another attraction at the fair is the oversized mango varieties such as the Aanathalayan, Muthalamookkan and Kossery weighing up to two kg.

The Kerala Agricultural University and Horticorp are also supporting the event. The festival goes on up to Tuesday.