Flower auction centre goes a begging

Flower auction centre goes a begging

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Apr 11, 2015: As per reports, with a view to improve floriculture in Udupi and provide full-fledged market for farmers, an auction centre was set up under Krishi Vikas Yojana in 2010-11. A few small works are pending to be completed.  The centre has more than a dozen stalls. Even though the building is ready, there are no activities related to sale of flowers.  When the construction of flower auctioning centre was initiated, Shankarapura Mallige and other flower growers had opposed the move.   Flowers could not be supplied to flower auctioning centre, constructed at a cost of Rs 2.29 crore on the outskirts of Udupi town, it has been now converted into sub market yard.

It was explained that even after constructing a building to provide marketing facilities, farmers will not use the yard to sell flowers.  Witout a proper study authorities went a head with the construction of the flower auctioning centre.

Horticulture department Deputy Director said that an understanding is entered into with the Agricultural Marketing Department on the use and maintenance of the building. One stall will be given for the sale of flowers. By ensuring all the needed equipment and materials for the farmers under one roof, maximum utilisation of the building will result.

Shankarapura Mallige Belegarara Sangha President Ramakrishna Sharma Bantakallu said that it was clarified that it was a waste to construct a building which is of no use to the Shankarapura jasmine growers. It is true that Udupi district is known for Shankarapura jasmine. But, farmers grow jasmine in small quantity, it would not be good to come to the market daily to sell the produce, the plucked jasmine should reach the consumer immediately. Other considerations too need to be assessed.