The Krishnaraja boulevard in front of the Law Court complex here will be converted into an organic farm produce mela between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on December 30 as part of the ongoing Mysuru Winter Festival.

An estimated 60 to 80 organic farmers and women’s groups are expected to set up stalls on one side of the boulevard, starting from Mahatma Gandhi’s bust in front of Law Court complex till the Crawford Hall premises.

Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mysuru, Somashekar told The Hindu that organic farm produce and value-added millet products will be available at the mela.

Ramesh, president of the Federation of Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar Regional Organic Farmers’ Association, said about 35 different organic items, including rice, ragi, jaggery, pulses, spices, dry fruits, besides value-added eatables like chakli and chutney powder, will be made available. Mr. Ramesh said the federation is represented by more than 6,000 organic farmers from the three districts, besides scores of women’s self-help groups that deal in value addition of the organic produce.

Chitra Santhe

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Krishnaraja boulevard, a Chitra Santhe or exhibition-cum-sale of artefacts will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Mysuru district administration has cancelled the Open Street festival during the ensuing Winter Festival in the backdrop of complaints of alleged harassment and molestation of women during the event held at Krishnaraja boulevard during Dasara earlier this year.

In view of the complaints, the district administration has not only scrapped the Open Street festival, but has also issued instructions to wind up Chitra Santhe and the mela by 5 p.m.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – December 24th, 2018